Unity In The Face of Adversity International CTeen Shabbaton Kicks off in NY

For many teens, the annual cacophony of languages echoing throughout the Oholei Torah hall last night at registration was ever more poignant due to the current challenges facing Jewish teens worldwide.

This year’s International CTeen Shabbaton brings together the largest network of Jewish teens for a weekend of solidarity and Jewish pride against the backdrop of rising antisemitism.  For many teens, the annual cacophony of languages echoing throughout the Oholei Torah hall last night at registration was ever more powerful due to the current challenges facing Jewish teens worldwide.

Hannah Berg from Coral Springs, Florida, told Alfie Joseph, CTeen Connection senior editor, “I’m enjoying spending time with all the amazing friends I made on the CTeen Israel Trip last summer and meeting so many teens from around the world. October 7th hit everyone pretty hard, but when we are all together as a group and a community, it’s much easier to stay proud as Jews going forward.” As an active leader of her chapter, Hannah is a also nominee for the CTeen Choice awards, which will be announced on Sunday. 

Jacob Adler from Cherry Hill, NJ, told CTeen journalist Jessica Soyfer, “I’m very excited for my first CTeen Shabbaton with no idea what to expect, but I’m sure it will be epic.” 

“With a monumental amount of activities, engaging presentations, and uplifting Jewish experiences planned, there’s no doubt this will be a transformative weekend for all,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Vice-Chairman of CTeen International. “Having the opportunity to connect with so many other teens who may have a very different lifestyle or speak a different language but are nonetheless united by the same heritage is truly empowering.”