CTeen Clubs Celebrate Chanukah Across the Continent

In Skokie, IL, they sent Chanukah care packages to IDF soldiers; in Sunrise, FL, they skated with NHL’s Florida Panthers; and in Tenafly, NJ, they rode Menorah-topped limousines; they were some of the regional Chanukah celebrations run by the Jewish teen club, CTeen.

Based at Chabad Lubavitch Headquarters in Brooklyn, NY, CTeen is the fastest growing international Jewish teen club, with more than 100 branches and thousands of members worldwide. “Teens are an oft forgotten demographic,” says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, CTeen’s parent body. “They are the future of our people, and when channeled properly, their energy and enthusiasm can uplift and inspire communities.”

The Chanukah celebrations brought together hundreds of teens from more than 40 CTeen chapters in 7 different locations. While each party had its own unique style and flavor, the theme was the same throughout: Teens having loads of fun while discovering modern day relevance in the lessons of the ancient Chanukah story.

“We aim to show our kids the beauty and excitement of Jewish traditions,” says Rabbi Aron Pink, director of CTeen’s branch in Plantation, FL. “They are too old for Hebrew school, too young for adult programs, and many have no other affiliation to the Jewish community. CTeen is the bridge that keeps them connected.”

CTeen’s savvy marketing team uses modern, catchy designs, and their programming is universally appealing. David Brook (15) drove close to three hours from his hometown, Ottawa, to Montreal to hear the Chanukah-themed freestyle rap of local radio host TB1, along with a group of 60 teens – 30 of whom lit the Menorah for the first time.

While teens in Southern Florida danced and showed off handmade Chanukah posters on the big screen at the Florida Panthers’ BankAtlantic Arena, Northern Florida teens gathered in Daytona Beach for a pizza party and paintball shooting. Both events included teaching the kids about Chanukah, and handing out Menorahs. CTeen celebrations also took place in Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Rabbi Shimon Rivkin, of CTeen HQ says teen networking is a strong focal point of the club. “Each of these events gathered various chapters together. It’s vital for the teens to realize they are part of a community. Many may have no other Jewish friends outside these groups.”

CTeen uses holidays such as Chanukah to gather for regional events, but the highlight of the year will certainly be the third annual Shabbaton in New York City, scheduled for the middle of February. According to Rivkin, more than 400 teens from across the States and Canada are expected for the weekend, which features tours through the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, and a Saturday night party in Manhattan.

The regional holiday events only serve to whet the teens’ appetite for the Shabbaton. Said Lior Sadan, a 16 year old Public School student, “Once again CTeen made the festival so special. I can’t wait for the NYC Shabbaton!”