CTeen Rents Bedford Armory to Welcome Record 4,000 Attendees

CTeen International is preparing for the largest gathering of Jewish teens, with 4,000 participants from around the world set to arrive in New York City at the end of the month. To accommodate the surge, the movement has secured the historic Major R. Owens Bedford Armory, alongside a 5,000-seat Arena for the closing ceremony. 

The Shabbaton marks an unprecedented expansion for the world’s largest Jewish teen movement, reflecting the rapid growth and the demand for Jewish connection in challenging times.

“We’ve seen more teens stepping up, taking ownership of their Jewish identity, and leading in their communities,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International. “This is how young Jews respond to adversity—not by withdrawing, but by strengthening their commitment.”

That commitment is personal for Ella Rudnick, a Year 10 student at JJ Cahill Public School in Mascot, Sydney, Australia who will join the weekend with the CTeen Jems Sydney delegation traveling nearly 10,000 miles to be part of the Shabbaton. Over the past year, she has been more involved in Jewish life, and the Shabbaton feels like the next step. “With everything going on, being part of this international gathering is a way to stand together. It’s uplifting to be with so many other Jewish teens who share your experiences and values,” she said.

For Leia, a Year 12 student at Rose Bay Secondary College in Sydney, and another member of the Sydney delegation, the Shabbaton is a chance to reaffirm her connection to her community. A dedicated volunteer with JEMs CTeen, she teaches Hebrew and mentors younger students. “Now is the time to be present, to show that we are here, strong, and united,” she said. 

Leia, who has stepped up her Jewish activism this year as well, volunteers with JEMs CTeen to mentor younger children and believes in the power of CTeen to empower and inspire. “It’s really grown me as a person. It’s a place where kids from different schools come together, talk, and feel less alone—especially in times like these.”

CTeen’s expansion has accelerated over the past year, adding a new chapter every two weeks, and reaching 6 new countries for a total of 821 chapters across 64 countries. As Jewish teens navigate growing challenges in schools and online, more are turning to CTeen for a sense of belonging and purpose.

Leading the delegation from Jems CTeen Sydney is Rabbi Chida Levitansky. “Many of our teens are the only Jewish students in their schools and are facing antisemitism,” he said. “Spending a weekend with 4,000 other Jewish teens will give them a huge boost for the coming year and for life!”

The Shabbaton will include a full lineup of inspirational workshops, iconic speakers, tours of NYC, the historic Crown Heights community, a meaningful visit to the Ohel, and culminate with the annual Closing Ceremony.

“This weekend marks a turning point for thousands of young Jews,” said Rabbi Shimon Rivkin, director of CTeen International at Merkos 302. “Every year they return home with a stronger sense of identity and responsibility, ready to step up as leaders in their communities back home.”