The B’nai B’rith Girls Lifetime Pages
of
Allie Caroline Michel
67th International S’ganit
“I’m moving on, at last I can see life has been patiently waiting
for me and I know there’s no guarantees
but I’m not alone.”
-Rascal Flatts
For the past four years, I have been living a dream. an illusion of anything my heart
imagined. A fairy-tale created by my own passions. Life was put on hold, because in
BBYO, you don’t have to make any plans.
But I thought I did. I was going to continue my mother’s legacy and follow in her
footsteps as North Carolina Council N’siah. But little did I know, I would take my own
path and leave a trail.
My journey has been life changing. By attending CLTC 3 2009, ILTC 2010, and kallah
2010, I found my passion for programming, shaped my leadership skills, and discovered
my true Jewish identity. But BBYO has not only taught me about myself, but I have
gained a better understanding for others, my community, and the world.
Teenagers are stereotyped for only being concerned with what is convenient for them.
But I have had the opportunity to be exposed to new and innovative ideas as I took
advantage of what our movement offers. By traveling the world on ILSI and the March
of the Living, I witnessed the struggles and the strengths of the Jewish people. Through
the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), I became a political activist and
advocate for our Jewish homeland.
Whether you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, a social worker, a teacher, or
maybe you have absolutely no idea.... it’s okay, because BBYO will direct you down the
right path. There are so many niches, so many different opportunities to get involved. I
found my strength in programming and advocacy. BUt it took a few bumps in the road
to arrive at my calling. Don’t get frustrated with the little things. If an election doesn’t
go your way, apply for a chair position. If one program wasn’t really your style,
try again.
But there is something way more meaningful that I will take away from BBYO. Yes, you
can get caught up in the elections and politics of it all, but the memories, the
friendships, the laughs and the smiles are what will forever be in my heart.
No, I’m not talking about the 615 contacts in my phone, the 2,542 Facebook friends, or
the 417 Twitter followers I have accumulated over the years. I’m talking about the
people who have touched my life in one way or another. Whether it was a quick
message online or a three hour phone call,
the conversations, the stories, and the experiences we share in BBYO do not
compare to anything the real world has to offer.
As I casually stroll down the terminal of the airport on my monthly travels, I
pass by hundreds of destinations. I am so lucky to say that if I stopped at any
gate, I would be welcomed with warm hospitality around the world... and not to
mention, the thousands of frequent flyer miles I have racked up throughout
my 4 years in BBYO.
It’s a bittersweet feeling to leave such a huge part of my life in BBG. These past
four years have transformed me into the proud jewish woman I am today. I am so
thankful and honored to have served as your 67th INternational S’ganit and I am so
grateful for each and every Aleph and B’nai B’rith Girl that I have had the
opportunity to connect with throughout this journey. You have each left a handprint
on my heart and I will be forever appreciative for our time together.
As I go on into the “real world,” I will continue to give back to BBYO and hope that
each of our lives will cross, whether it be in BBYO or other Jewish organizations
around the world.
Wherever my path takes me, I will not be alone.
For the last time,
Submitted with undying love for the 38,000 teens across the globe, 6 folds, the
menorah pledge principles, love and laughter, friends that last, times so good,
they go so fast, never repeating an outfit at any conventions, #DCChillin, #IUBB,
Birkat Squad, CLTC 3 2009, ILTC and Kallah 2010, ILSI 2011, March of the Living
2012 White Bus, International Convention 2012: Our Tomorrow starts Today,
monogrammed everything, Chai Chaverim BBG #1548-552, Eastern Region: North
Carolina Council, 87th Grand Board of the Aleph zadik Aleph, 67th International
Board of the B’nai B’rith Girls, the past, the present and the future of our order,
I forever remain,
Allie Caroline Michel
Your 67th INternational S’ganit and Damn Proud BBG
^ And with that I become a life member of the B’nai B’rith Girls ^
Dedications
I dedicate my past to...
84/64
(Lauren Shenfeld, Evan Herron, Gabbi Baker, Joel Feinberg, Caroline Canning, Jake
DuBoff, Morgan Finkelstein, Sam Dragul, Taylor Kent, Mike Rosenberg) –
Thank you for being the board we strived to be. Your work ethic,
determination, and friendship are definitely things we were up to
competing with. Thank you for setting the bar high for us and being my
role models over the past four years.
Shoshana Torn
Your enthusiasm and passion for BBG is unmatched. You are a true
inspiration to girls around the world, investing even more time in this
organization after you graduated. Over the past 3 years I have known you,
I would be nowhere without your guidance and support. I cannot put into
words how much you have changed my life and I am so grateful to be
one of the original Shoshie Babies.
Dana Odrezin
Thank you for being such an inspiration as my first North Carolina
Council N’siah. You brought me under your wings and I am so thankful
that you helped me soar.
Jeni Willenzik –
Our families have been friends for years, but our bond became closer
when I joined BBG. I am so happy that we were in the same chapter and
followed similar dreams!
Alyssa Baron –
Thank you for always picking up the phone to answer my calls, for
listening to me, and for being a great friend. You carry yourself with
such dignity. You’re the best.
I dedicate my present to...
67 Ballers –
We did it! We worked like true sisters, best friends, and a team! I couldn’t imagine this year
without the 4 of you. I’ll always remember our weekly Google Plus chats, amazing board gear,
Talia’s Russian camera, the dead N’siah phone, Sam’s Nyquil, Lindsey’s dresses, AVW’s
germaphobia, and to top it all off, our incredible IC room. Thank you for an amazing year… I
know we will be traveling between Michigan, Indiana, Yale, or possibly some remote foreign
country to reunite soon. Our bond is so tight; no one could ever keep us apart! Love y’all!
Samantha Levinson
You are probably the most interesting girl I have ever met. From your hippie skirts to your
bathroom lock-ins, from board calls to your travels, I could not have asked for a better N’siah
to run the order. You have the most obscure stories; you could write a series of novels... I think
the whole board would agree with me that they would definitely top the best-seller list. I am so
happy that we have become so close and we have the opportunity to spend the next 4 years
together at Indiana... watch out IU! I cannot wait to have many more adventures with you in the
future.
Lindsey DuBoff –
Curly or straight, you are beautiful either way, inside and out. Thank you for always bringing
humor to the most serious conversations. You are hilarious and always crack me up. Don’t forget
to pack that personalized shower cap for Michigan next year... you don’t know what unwanted
visitors might creep up. I love you so much and wish you only the best in your future. Thank you
for being a true friend.
Talia Katz
If you looked “globalization” up in the dictionary, your name would be bold, italicized, and
underlined right there. You are a world traveler, social activist, and the sweetest girl at heart.
You have the brilliant talent of communication through a Russian video camera. Have an amazing
journey next year wherever your travels may take you and good luck at Yale. I am so beyond
proud of you.
Allison Van Wye
Thank you for welcoming me into the Van Wye family. It has truly been my home away from
home this year. From our drives to Colombia and Fairfax to our meep sessions, from belting out
Taylor Swift to your yummy AVW salad that I now eat on a weekly basis, you have not only
become one of my best friends, but a sister to me. I know our paths with definitely cross in the
future when IU beats Michigan... I will always have my door open for you to visit! I know we will
continue to video chat on a daily basis as we do. You’ll always be the number one cutie to me.
Love you!
87/67
I could not have asked for a brighter, funnier, prettier, or smarter group of people to work
with this past year. Each of you has touched my life with each and every memory that we
share. I will forever cherish our times together.
Oz Fishman
Congrats on a great term! Your inspiration to members will forever impact the future of our
organization. Continue your leadership and motivation on GW’s campus and beyond.
Logan Miller
Remember our time in the gazebo at Perlman, contemplating our decision to run for
international board? I am so happy that you were my co this year, because honestly, I cannot
think anyone else I would have wanted to share this life changing experience with. You put up
with me so we could be the best color-coordinated cos, so thank you to Mama Millz for buying
all of your matching outfits. But I put up with you and your strange locations of phone calls
and your odd varieties of communication. We broke a million and one records this year. we truly
rock. I know without a doubt you will continue to inspire Alephs around the world next year,
but always remember that even though we are no longer cos, I am still here as a true friend
to support and encourage you throughout your future. I hope to be your biggest cheerleader in
the White House one day! Thank you for such an incredible journey and being a great friend. I
love you!
Grant Fineman
I don’t even have words to describe how much I am going to miss you. You have literally become
one of my best friends this year. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed a
laugh, a shoulder to cry on, a virtual hug, a “Smang It” danceathon over video chat, or just
a catch up sesh. I love you so much and couldn’t imagine my life without you. I know we will
be friends for a lifetime. Even though we are hundreds of miles apart, we’ll always be close
at heart.
Alex Metzman
Thank you for always waiting for me after your flights to DC to take the metro with me…
You would think by now I would have gotten the hang of it. Our friendship began at ILTC and
Kallah but has continued to flourish over the past year. You are a burst of intelligence and
always dressed to a tee. UPenn is so lucky to have you and I know that all of your dreams
and wishes will come true.
Jake Sorrells
“Double R’s, double L’s” This year has been great, I can’t begin to tellz…. ya. You’re a
prophet sent from God and the heaven above. In the future, you’ll grant world peace like a big
white dove. Learn to knock before you enter, when you walk into town, you’re going to shine on
the campus of Georgetown. I’m going to miss you oh so much, Jake, please stay in touch.
Ian Kandel, Rae Krucoff, Anita Blustein, Mitch Liebeskind
Thank you for absolutely everything. The four of you have inspired, supported, and motivated
me throughout my time in this organization. I appreciate all that you have done for me and
how much you have helped me grow into the leader I am today. I will truly miss each of you
and I hope we keep in touch.
Alissa Hartnig, Jessica Kocen, Rebecca Litchenstein, Molly Shay, Sara Belza, Joey Ben-Ami, Evi Hyman, Wesley
Flaum, Sarah Sloan, Tali Azoolin, Kevin Sloan, Brett Sklar, Jonathan Block, Brian Blanco, Jason Blanco, Aaron Adler,
Perry Feinstein, Adam Greenberg, Josh Greenberg, Tucker Rubin, Benny Bernstein, Jordan Schack, Nathan
Weinbaum, and Zach Rosen
Thank you for being amazing friends throughout my journey! I will forever cherish our memories and
I hope that we all keep it touch! I love you all!
Allie Laps
My twin, my love, my best friend. If I could only take clips of every video chat, phone call, picture,
text, or conversation we have shared and compile them into a scrapbook, the world would get a good
laugh. I’ve been by your side and you’re always there for me. Our friendship has displayed the true
definition of the word. You always pop up on my computer screen at the most perfect times; it’s like
we have twin telepathy. Thanks for being a great friend! May we continue to make everlasting
memories in the future. Best of luck with CLTC 6! I know you are going inspire so many little mitties
this summer and I know you will continue to empower so many people on Michigan’s campus as well.
I love you!
Brianna Brown
We sat at Beber for CLTC and pinky-promised that we would go on the March together. Flash
forward 3 years and we still remained as best friends on the March as we did back in our Beber
days. We have been there for each other through thick and thin. We’ve got each other’s backs in
certain situations. You’re my home girl and if you don’t come to visit me and Andie next year, we will
be sad pandas. I love you with all my heart my little Kissotie! Thank you for everything!
Josh Schulman
From the days of Don’s class on ILSI to your continuous snap chats through the day, you have
become my true travel buddy. Whether it’s sitting on the back of the bus taking pretty pictures or
traveling to Poland and Israel on the March of the Living, we always have an amazing time together.
We have a mutual patience for each other to share our feelings and I will forever value your
friendship. I’m still waiting for that shopping spree in NYC. Thank you for always being there for me,
and I know you will continue to be one of my best friends.
Danny Fanaroff
I can’t believe I’m writing this right now without you on video chat. A day does not go by where we do
not communicate in some way or another. This exudes how close we have become over the past year.
I cannot believe our future will be shared with each other at Indiana. It’s going to be one hell of a
ride. Can’t wait to spend the next 4 years face to face, and a few video chats along with it. See you
in Northwest!
IC 2012 Steering
(Whitney Perlen, Adam Sidrane, Alissa Hartnig, Rachel Baer, Hilit Jacobson, Sydney Ungar, Rebecca Slatkin, Ryan
Ladd, Jesse Freedman, Grant Hansell, Jacob Levy, Andrew Greenberg, Brandon Myers, Nick Phillips)
Y’all rock! Thank you so much for assisting Logan and myself in making International Convention a
huge success. The hour-long conference calls, the million and one edits to programs, and the
countless sleepless nights really paid off. Be proud that you left a lasting impression on the
international order. Your tomorrow really starts today; I can’t wait to see what y’all do in the future.
You really helped me go out with a “chiddy bang!”
I dedicate my future to...
88/68
(Logan Miller, Sarah Minion, Ryan Ladd, Hilit Jacobson, Alex Finkelstein, Emily Gorby, Michaela Brown, Nick Phillips,
Benji Fages, Andie Djamal) –
You all have pretty big shoes to fill. But I have no doubt that you will aim even higher than we
did. You each have the potential to make this year incredible, and I know you will each accomplish
beyond your wildest dreams. Just remember to be positive, patient, and cooperative. Be close to one
another, support each other, and you will achieve success! Remember why you are here and to
have fun with it!
Hilit Jacobson
I am so unbelievably proud of you. You are incredibly creative, outgoing, and free-spirited. Your
smile brightens up a room and your heart warms and welcomes others. I see a lot of myself in
you. You’re a hard-worker and a dedicated BBG. I have no doubt in my mind that you and Ryan will
be a great team this year. Continue on your fabulous work with programming! I’m so glad we were
friends before BBG and I know we will be friends for years to come. I’m always here if you need
anything! I love you!
Indiana University Class of 2016
(Andie Meschkow ROOMIE!, Samantha Levinson, Jake Kupferman, Daniel Kasten, Danny Fanaroff, Zach Weinstein,
Sammy Katz, Nathan Feler, Amy Feinberg, Stefanie Adams, Sydney Robinson and all the other BBYO Hoosiers!)
FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! I’m so excited to spend my next four years with such a fun
and energetic group of friends! I look forward to making many more memories with each of you!
Julie Konners, Carly Aronin, Elli Bock, Rebecca Shafron, Michelle Rubenstein
Your passion and dedication to this order is inspiring. Continue to motivate and empower younger
members with your smiling faces. Each of you has shown such kindness and compassion around
the order throughout my time in BBG. I can’t wait to see all that you do.
Maya Bernstein, Maya Guthman, Sara Strei, Eden Siskind, Maggie Rosen, Jamie Fanaroff, Sydney Bernstein,
Melanie Patish, Aaron Welcher, Dan Widawsky, Ryan Dishell
You are the future of our order. You each are a light that shines so bright from your region that
it reflects deeply in my heart. Thank you for expressing so much passion and enthusiasm for our
movement. Never give up on your dreams, follow your heart, and continue to make a lasting
impact within your chapter, councils, regions, and the order.
Caroline Baron, Daniel Willenzik, Emma Rose
Thank you for being a strong support system for me throughout my journey. You each have such
incredible futures ahead of you. I’m excited to hear about all of your accomplishments in and out
of this organization. You are the greatest friends I could ever ask for. I love y’all!
Sara Mond
Cousin S, you are a little ball of energy and ambition. You put 110% into anything and everything you
take on. I hope you take what you have learned from your time in this organization and put it into
something your passionate about and that those will appreciate you. You are like a sister to me
and I don’t know what I am going to do miles away from you. I expect lots of visits! I love you!
I dedicate my international life to...
Mara Gabrielle Michel
My sister, my best friend, my partner-in-crime. I dedicate
my international life to you because you are the true
definition of a BBG. You carry yourself with strength and
dignity. You are always helping before it is asked. You hold
the Menorah Pledge principles close to your heart and they
help to form your true Jewish identity. I am excited to see
you blossom and grow as a leader this summer at ILTC
and Kallah. You make me so proud and you inspire me to
follow my dreams. You’ll always be my little twin and
favorite Kardashian. I cannot wait to hear about the rest of
your journey in BBG. I am going to miss you this year, your
singing, your dancing, and your really high heels. I love you
so much! You know that I am always there for you and
only an hour and 30 minute drive away. I love you! XOXO