Editing Aleph Zadik Aleph

[[Image:AZA.jpg|frame|AZA Menorah]]

The International Order of '''Aleph Zadik Aleph''' ('''AZA''') is the men's Order of [[BBYO]], an international youth-led high school fraternity for Jewish teens. BBYO has over eighteen thousand members in chapters worldwide, including chapters in the United States, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Israel, France, Australia, Argentina, Canada, and elsewhere. Each member of the Order is called an [[Aleph]].

==History==
Aleph Zadik Aleph began in 1923 as a high school fraternity in Omaha, Nebraska, and was founded originally as primarily a social group. A local group of 14 young men in Omaha began the group. Contrary to popular belief, the group was not founded as a protest against the local Greek high school fraternity which did not allow Jews to become members. The last known surviving founder disputed the claim of some organization not letting Jews in, in a taped interview with the Southwestern Region Aleph Godol and rather an alternate history found in Dealing in Futures by Max Baer describes a schism between the founders of the AZA and members of the local Zionist youth group, called the Maccabees. The AZA founders split from the group and formed their own with the Greek-letter college fraternities in mind. The young men who organized it began their own high school fraternity and decided to name it Aleph Zadik Aleph, or AZA, the Hebrew letter equivalent. The boys elected [[Abe Baboir]] as their first president and [[Nathan Mnookin]] as the advisor to the group. They named their chapter "[[Mother Chapter AZA #1]]", which is still alive and thriving to this day.

A few months later, Mnookin, a local chemist, moved to Kansas City, Kansas and founded a similar social group. This chapter was named "Two's/2's AZA #2", which is still alive to this day. The Omaha chapter approached [[Sam Beber]] to be their next advisor. Beber accepted under the condition that they continue the expansion of the order, with the goal of creating an organization of Jewish Fraternities that would stretch even beyond the United States.

On May 3, 1924, Beber called the first meeting of the International Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph. This first meeting consisted of the Omaha and Kansas City chapters. A constitution was drawn up and the Supreme Advisory Council was created.

By April 1925, the order had expanded to include seven groups around Omaha. Sam Beber went to the national convention of [[B'nai B'rith]], to see if they would sponsor the organization. Although there was strong opposition to the proposal at first, [[Henry Monsky]] delivered a stirring speech which led to the approval and adoption of AZA to become a part of B'nai B'rith.

==The Seven Cardinal Principles==
These are The Seven Cardinal Principles that were laid out by the founding members of AZA to define the ideals of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

#[[Patriotism]]- Loyalty to my homeland, to its laws, to its principles, to its ethics.  To die for it if need be, but primarily to live for it.
#[[Judaism]]- Always to observe the tenets of my faith; ever to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord my God.
#[[Filial piety|Filial love]]- Ever to honor and love my parents.  To be considerate of my elders and to respect age.
#[[Charity]]- To give of myself and my subtance for all worthy causes; to be kind and generous to all in need, regardless of race or color.
#[[Conduct]]- Never too bold, never too forward, ever humble, ever observing the principles of gentlemen.
#[[Purity]]- To keep my soul pure, my mind active, and my body healthy.
#[[Fraternity]]- A spirit of sociability, of cooperation, and of friendship toward all AZA's that shall make of us one fellowship; a love of and a loyalty to AZA and its ideals.

==Programming==

===The 5 Folds===
The Five Folds are used as the basis for all event planning. In 1928, a man by the name of Boris D. Bogen presented his ideas for a Five-Fold-and-Full Program to the Supreme Advisory Council of AZA. This program has proven to be a major part of AZA. It basically requires that chapters include the Five Folds, which are like general topics or classifications for programs. Boris D. Bogen’s original Five-Fold-and-Full Program has been modified over the years. Recently, at [[International Convention]], the Five Folds were changed. Most successful events contain three or more of the folds, but an event can also concentrate in depth on a single fold. Here are the new Five Folds:.

#[[AZA Programming Bank#Social|Social]] - The most common type of event, it includes any type of socializing within an event. Just about any event falls under this fold.  They mostly include programming involving other chapters, programs involving none of the other folds, and the majority of membership drives.
#[[AZA Programming Bank#Athletic|Athletic]] - Any Sport, whether existent or a product of one’s mind. Includes trips to professional sports games or any physical program.  Also a very common event type.
#[[AZA Programming Bank#Community Service/Social Action|Community Service/Social Action]] - Beautifying parks, raising money for Tzedakah, recyclable object scavenger hunts etc. are expamples of Community Service. Also includes participation in rallies or protests with positive causes as Social Action.  These often take a lot of planning but can be some of the most rewarding experiences one can have.
#[[AZA Programming Bank#Education|Education]] - Any program or event in which you learn something. Includes events having to do with different cultures, religions, and holidays; these events include guest speakers,  art museums, fairs and festivals, etc.
#[[AZA Programming Bank#Judiac|Judaic]] - A regular part of programming that is inherent of the organization. Includes services during events, discussions, chapter Seders, leading synagogue services, etc.  Most anything can have a Judaic twist added into it, and anything that involves any Jewish values can be considered a Judaic Fold Program.

===Programming Bank===
This bank contains programs other chapters have found succesful.  Please use them, for that is their purpose. ''Please update the programming bank, elsewise it will not be succesful.''

[[AZA Programming Bank]]

==Board Positions==

Each level of AZA is governed by a democratically elected board.

===Universal Positions===
*'''Aleph [[Godol]]''': President. The International Aleph Godol, called the Grand Aleph Godol, visits different regions, councils, and chapters each year that are in need of guidance.
*'''Aleph [[S'gan]]''': Programming Vice-President. The International Aleph S'gan, called the Grand Aleph S'gan, is in charge of implementiing the each of the Five Folds.
*'''Aleph [[Moreh]]''': Membership - Recruitment/Retention. The Grand Aleph Moreh is in charge of the education of Alephs in Training (AIT) and membership recruitment.
*'''Aleph [[Mazkir]]''': Secretary. The Grand Aleph Mazkir is in charge of communication, written correspondance, and taking minutes at meetings.  In some chapters, it is split into Corresponding Mazkir (Communications), and Recording Mazkir (Written Correspondance and Minutes).
*'''Aleph [[Shaliach]]''': Community Service/Social Action/Judaic. The Grand Aleph Shaliach promotes community service and social action programs and is in charge of the education of Alephs about Israel and Jewish heritage.
*'''Alpeh [[Gizbor]]''': The Aleph Gizbor is responsible for anything money related, including chapter funds, fundraisers, and reimbursements.
*'''Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]''': Immediate Past-President.  This member may act as a counselor, and help the guidance of the chapter, as they were past president.

===Optional Positions===
*'''Aleph [[Sopher]]''': Board member in charge publishing newspaper.
*'''Aleph [[Shotare Godol]]''': Sergeant-at-Arms. Guards door from intruders.
*'''Aleph [[Shotare Kotone]]''': Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. Assits Aleph Shotare Godol.
*'''Aleph [[Chaver]]''': Present in [[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]] this board member takes the place of the Aleph [[Shaliach]].
*'''Aleph [[Dovair]]''': Present in [[Evergreen Region|EGR]], originally meant to take the place of the Aleph [[Shaliach]] the position was originally split in to so the Dovair is in charge of Religous and Shaliach in charge of community service
*'''Aleph [[Rakkaz]]''': Present in [[Connecticut Valley Region|CVR]] and [[Nassau-Suffolk Region|NSR]] this board member is an additional board member that is responsible for coordinating at least one convention.
*'''Aleph [[Mach'Shev]]''':Present in [[Central Region West|CRW]]  this board member is in charge of the upkeep of all internet based communications (i.e. chapter websites, blast email groups, B-linked promotion)
*'''[[Parliamentarian]]''': Enforces decorum and observance of Robert's Rules of Order in meetings.

===Current Grand Board=== 
(2007-2008)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Jason Wachs ([[Ohio Northern Region|ONR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Evan Herron ([[South Jersey Region|SJR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Andrew Igdaloff ([[Kentucky Indiana Ohio Region|KIO]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Joel Rosen ([[Central Region East|CRE]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Steven Mintz ([[North Texas-Oklahoma Region|NTO]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Jeremy Gelman ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])

===Past Grand Boards=== 
(2006-2007)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Jeremy Gelmam ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Ben Arnstein ([[Northern Region East|NRE]]-[[NOVA Council|NoVa Council]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Jason Wachs ([[Ohio Northern Region|ONR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Matt Storch ([[North Florida Region|NFR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Aron Rosenberg ([[Northwest Canada|NWC]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Brandon Rattiner ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])

(2005-2006)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Brandon Rattiner ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Bennet Marcus ([[Nassau Suffolk Region|NSR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Jason Rosen ([[Greater Jersey Hudson River Region|GJHRR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Jeremy Gelman ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Jonathan Sadow ([[Southern Region|SR]]-[[Atlanta Council|AC]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Stephen Glatter ([[Philadelphia Region|Philly]])

(2004-2005)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Stephen Glatter ([[Philadelphia Region|Philly]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Steven Blustein ([[Lonestar Region|LSR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Brandon Rattiner ([[Rocky Mountain Region|RMR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Michael Kandel ([[Philadelphia Region|Philly]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Benjamin Becker ([[Ohio Northern|ONR]])
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Robbie Sadow ([[Southern Region|SR]]-[[Atlanta Council|AC]])

(2003-2004)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Robbie Sadow
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Greg Ross
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Mark Nagrodzki
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Stephen Glatter
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Ari Dropkin
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Daniel Sacks

(2002-2003)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Daniel Sacks
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Zach Silverman
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Adam Horowitz
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Robbie Sadow
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Yoni Macagon
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Josh Garfinkel

(2001-2002)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Josh Garfinkel
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Steven Baker
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Daniel Sacks
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Matthew Kane
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Adam Aft
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Jason Benkendorf

(2000-2001)
*'''Grand Aleph [[Godol]]'''- Jason Benkendorf
*'''Grand Aleph [[S'gan]]'''- Josh Garfinkel
*'''Grand Aleph [[Moreh]]'''- Larry Reicher
*'''Grand Aleph [[Mazkir]]'''- Zach Gelman
*'''Grand Aleph [[Shaliach]]'''- Jon Schutkin
*'''Grand Aleph [[Kohen Godol]]'''- Andrew Loewenstein

==Geographic Structure==

===The Chapter===
The smallest, most specialized group is the chapter. Each Aleph is a member of a single chapter--a place where he can feel welcome and socialize without fear of [[Anti-Semitism|persecution]].  The Chapter is the most important aspect of BBYO for if there were no chapters then there would be no order.

===Councils===
Several chapters that are in the same geographic area make up the next level of AZA: the council.  Since they are usually used to break up large, incohesive regions, some areas have them while others do not. Councils serve to bring chapters together so that they can exchange ideas, socialize, compete, and work together on projects that require many people.

===Regions=== 
Several chapters and/or councils that are in the same geographic area make up the region. The purpose of the region is the same as that of the council. For each region there is a regional board, who's job is to assist the chapters, plan regional conventions, and serve to represent the region to the international body, and communicate the needs of the region to the Grand Board.

===International===
The International level of AZA consists of every region, council, chapter, and member throughout the world. The major purpose of this level is much like that of the region, but on a larger scale. It serves to bring every Aleph from every chapter and from every region together under one banner.

==Songs and Cheers==

* "[[Up You Men]]"

* "[[For Tomorrow and Today]]"

* "[[Come and Join Us in Our Song]]"

* "[[Stand Together]]"

* "[[Sweetheart Song]]"

* "[[This is Our Order]]"

* "[[No Man is an Island]]"

* "[[AZA is for Me]]"

== External links ==

* [http://www.bbyo.org/ B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, Official Website]
* [http://www.bbyo.org/teen/index.php?c=63&kat=AZA+Headquarters Aleph Zadik Aleph]
* [http://www.bbyoalumni.org/ BBYO Alumni Page]
* [http://www.bbyopictures.com/ BBYO Pictures Page]
* [http://www.b-linked.org/ B-Linked]
* [http://drewkaplan.info/BBYO/AZABegins.pdf AZA Begins: Before B'nai B'rith]

== Regional Links ==

* [http://www.acbbyo.org/ Atlanta Council BBYO]
* [http://www.egrbbyo.org/ Evergreen Region BBYO]
* [http://www.crwbbyo.org/ Central Region West]
* [http://www.cvrbbyo.org/ Connecticut Valley Region]
* [http://goldcoastbbyo.org/ Gold Coast Region]
* [http://ww3.kiobbyo.org/ Kentucky Indiana Ohio Region]
* [http://www.bbyonre.org/ Northern Region East]
* [http://www.nwcbbyo.org/ North West Canada BBYO]
* [http://www.acbbyo.org/ Southern Region - Atlanta Council]
*[http://www.wibbyo.org/ Wisconsin Region]
* [http://www.lonestarbbyo.com/ Lonestar Region BBYO]

== Chapter Links ==

* [http://www.allentownaza.org/ Rabbi William Greenburg Allentown AZA #156]
* [http://www.brandeisaza.com/ Brandeis AZA #1519]
* [http://www.calgaryaza.nwcbbyo.org/ Calgary AZA - Stampede #1046 and First International #31]
* [http://www.seussaza.org/  Dr. Seuss AZA #195]
* [http://www.eamonnlacey.tk/    Eamonn Lacey AZA #1872]
* [http://www.gottlieb.tk/ Maurice A. Gottlieb AZA #2196]
* [http://www.jeremiahaza.com/ Jeremiah AZA #2376]
* [http://machar.dyndns.org/ Machar AZA #2428]
* [http://www.rebels442.com/ Orlando Rebels AZA #442]
* [http://www.moadaza.org/ Rabbi Morris Adler AZA #1855]
* [http://myspace.com/kennedyaza/ Robert F. Kennedy AZA #1631]
* [http://www.siwiaza.org/    Simon Wiesenthal AZA]
* [http://www.vikeu.org/  Isadore Shapiro AZA #1329]
*[http://www.zionaza.com/    Zion AZA #1171]

[[Category:Jewish youth organizations]]