Rooted and Responsible: National Bnos Agudas Yisroel Leadership Convention Inspires Hundreds in Montreal

The Montreal community warmly hosted the National Bnos Agudas Yisroel Leaders Convention, an extraordinary gathering that left a lasting impact on nearly 500 young leaders who traveled from 20 different cities across the globe, including Miami, Los Angeles, and Lakewood. Despite the freezing winter temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside was electric. This year’s event shattered expectations, hitting capacity before the early bird deadline and leaving a significant waiting list.

The convention serves a vital mission: providing Bnos leaders a unique platform to gather with peers from across the globe to realize they are not just leaders in their own cities, but part of a larger, unified movement. By bringing the leaders together, the convention offers a space to network, gain chizuk, and acquire practical tips to bring back to their local branches. The theme, “From Roots to Fruits: Rooted and Responsible,” focused on the importance of strengthening one’s personal spiritual foundations to create a lasting impact on others.

In signature Bnos style, the program offered a perfect mix of practical training and spiritual recharging. The attendees participated in targeted workshops focusing on essential leadership skills and the art of storytelling, complemented by a Game Expo. The sessions were balanced by insights from esteemed speakers. Rabbi Yisroel Besser spoke on the power of Tefillah, while Mrs. M. Paneth discussed the essence of Achrayus. The leaders also engaged in a live “Ask the Menahel” session with Rabbi Menachem M. Karmel and received inspiration from Rabbi Kirzner, Rav of Agudas Yisroel of Montreal.

Beyond the formal sessions, the convention fostered a sense of community through unforgettable shared experiences. The girls enjoyed a Friday bowling trip and a live Cantata presentation, followed by a beautiful Kumzitz and an energetic “Theme Dance.” This combination of tochen and ruach ensured that every participant felt both professionally equipped and spiritually uplifted.

The influence of the convention has already caught the attention of educators and school administrators. One school principal noted that this is the only convention for which she grants her students two full days off, as they return “truly charged and full of substance”. Another school was so moved by the impact on its students that they held an entire assembly dedicated to the convention’s lessons. As one advisor remarked, the inspiration and networking carry the leaders long after the weekend concludes.

“The girls see that they’re part of a bigger picture,” says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. “They go back home with renewed purpose and enthusiasm”. The effects of the event are set to reverberate for months, with many cities already planning local “mini-conventions” to share the “Bnos Energy” with those who were unable to attend. Bnos Agudas Yisroel extends its heartfelt thanks to the Montreal coordinators, Mrs. Chaya Huttman and Mrs. Chaya Gestetner, for making this “magical” event possible.

To learn more about leadership opportunities or to bring Bnos to your city, please contact bnos@agudah.org