During BBYO’s 2023 International Convention, Livingston native TJ Katz (LHS Class of 2023) was elected the 99th Grand Aleph Godol (international president) of its International Board for BBYO’s upcoming 100th year. Katz is the first Grand Aleph Godol from the Greater Jersey Hudson Region.

The position will necessitate that Katz take a gap year before beginning college. During his one year tenure as International President, Katz will meet with Jewish youth and leaders in over sixty countries throughout the world.

Thirty-two hundred teens from 44 countries attended the convention, which featured influential speakers, including The Second Gentleman of the United States, Douglas Emhoff;; Israel’s 13th Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett; Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt;,; NBA G League Motor City Cruise Player, Ryan Turell; and Maddie Ziegler, professional dancer, singer, model and actress.