Greater Kansas City AZA #2 (Two’s AZA) was honored with the Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award at the BBYO International Convention, held from Feb. 12-16 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award is the most prestigious honor an AZA chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations — a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.
“This award means the world,” said Will Widman, Two’s Aleph Godol. “The chapter has been growing continuously throughout my entire BBYO journey. It’s an incredible achievement to be ranked among the top 10 chapters out of over 700 active chapters worldwide.”
Over the past year, Two’s AZA has gained more than 20 new members, launched an award-winning BBYO Stand Up campaign, raised more than $10,000 during the third annual Marty Awards, recorded strong attendance at regional conventions, won the KC AZAA Basketball Cup and maintained programming that incorporated all six folds of AZA.
According to BBYO Inc., the AZA chapters selected for this honor are “leaders of the global community of Alephs and exemplify the ideals set forth in the Seven Cardinal Principles — patriotism, charity, judaism, fraternity, purity, conduct, and filial love.”
“It is truly an honor to see Two’s AZA recognized with the Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award, one of the most prestigious honors in our organization,” said David Wexler, Two’s Advisor. “Being one of only 10 chapters worldwide to earn this award speaks to the dedication, growth and excellence of our members and leaders. As we celebrate this achievement, we also honor the rich history of our chapter, which will be celebrating its 102nd birthday this May. Our legacy is built on the foundations laid by visionaries like Nathan Mnookin and Philip Klutznick — founders and builders of this great movement whose contributions continue to inspire us today.”
In all, 12 Two’s Alephs attended the International Convention in addition to Wexler.
In addition to the Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award, Two’s AZA was one of five chapters worldwide to receive the BBYO Stand Up Gemilut Chasidim Chapter Award, which recognizes chapters around the world that work to better their community through civic action. This is the second consecutive year Two’s has received this honor. In September, Two’s launched its campaign, “Two’s for Tomorrow,” focused on climate action and climate change. In September, Two’s became the first chapter globally to join the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, a network of Jewish community organizations committed to addressing climate change. The coalition is part of Adamah, North America’s largest Jewish environmental organization. More information is available at twosaza.com/twos-for-tomorrow.
Other individual award winners from Greater Kansas City AZA #2 include:
- The Rising Leader Award – Rhys Pabst. This award seeks to provide the Movement with a way to recognize and celebrate its youngest rising leaders across the movement.
- The Tree of Life Recruitment Award – Ethan Kucherovsky. The Tree of Life Recruitment Award is an honor given to those Alephs who have played a significant and lasting part in growing AZA.
- The Anita Perlman Stand UP Award – Daniel Nevat. The Anita Perlman Stand UP Award honors those individuals who have worked to better their community through consistent and quality community service.
- The Arevut Explore Israel Award – Daniel Nevat. All members who have consistently sought out and built opportunities to learn about, educate others on, explore and advocate for the State of Israel are eligible to apply for or be nominated for this award.
- The Shield of David Award – Will Widman (bronze) and Michael Furey (bronze and silver). One of the most historic and prestigious honors awarded to an Aleph, the Shield of David Award recognizes Alephs who have made outstanding leadership contributions, displayed a consistent commitment to AZA and have consistently shown that they exemplify AZA principles.
Nearly 3,400 Jewish teen leaders from 52 countries — along with 900+ adult guests, speakers, educators, activists, and global partners — gathered for the International Convention, representing the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders in the world.
This year’s convention theme, “We The Future,” echoed Philadelphia’s legacy as the birthplace of American democracy 250 years ago and affirmed BBYO’s mission to empower young people to lead with courage and purpose. Throughout the four-day experience, teens celebrated Shabbat, competed in AZAA/BBG sporting competitions, participated in community service projects and explored issues shaping the future, including antisemitism, Israel’s future in the Middle East, climate change, media literacy and the ethical implications of AI. Next year’s International Convention will be held in Baltimore, Maryland.
