Shabbat is one of the most meaningful and essential elements of any BBYO chapter, convention, or summer program, but planning a truly memorable experience can be a challenge. Since Shabbat holds a central place in both the Jewish faith and the BBYO community, I’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect BBYO Shabbat dinner, ensuring it’s both meaningful and unforgettable. 

First, the service. The Shabbat service is the heart of the evening, so it’s important to make it engaging and meaningful for everyone. Try picking a theme that connects with your chapter or region, and incorporate familiar childhood songs or upbeat tunes to bring energy and fun to the prayers. In addition, allowing a variety of members to lead different parts of the service and add their own personal touch is a great way to encourage leadership and participation beyond just the board. This helps create a sense of ownership and makes the service feel more inclusive and memorable for all.

Second, the meal. Food is, of course, an essential part of a successful Shabbat as it brings us together. It is important to keep everyone at one table, like a big, happy family. That way, everyone can bond and further get to know each other over dinner. And don't forget the challah and grape juice!

Finally, Birkat Hamazon, the conclusion of the meal. This prayer must be included in every Shabbat dinner as it’s our way of thanking G-d for our meal. To ensure everyone participates, teach the hand movements and gestures that make the prayers so fun!