Cteen: Just 3 Days But Life Changing

“The Shabbaton honestly changed my life and was so inspirational”, Stephanie Blitshtein from Texas messaged CTeen’s facebook page late last night.  “I know it sounds crazy that three days can change your life so much, but its true and all the teens and I are proof! I can’t wait to bring back what I learned to Plano, TX.”

Not even a blizzard could stop the storm of 700 teens and leaders from absorbing the energy and Yiddishkeit of the annual CTeen International Shabbaton that concluded on Sunday in New York City. Over 100 delegations representing cities in the US, Canada, France, England, Austria, and Nigeria joined together for three days of friendship, Jewish pride and inspiration.

Following a warm welcome at Friday morning’s breakfast, the teens toured the Big Apple, visiting many of the city’s landmarks including, the Statue of Liberty, 9-11 Memorial, NBC Studios, Google HQ NY, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, the UN, and Fifth Avenue.

Later, back in Crown Heights, the girls enjoying an uplifting candle-lighting ceremony while the boys had a taste of Yeshiva learning and davening with the bochurim in Ohlei Torah Zal. A grand unity Shabbos meal, interactive workshops, farbrengens and exciting activities opened up the hearts and minds of the teens. Sports Illustrated’s “Jewish Jordan,” Tamir Goodman, and former NBC producer, Mrs. Molly Resnick, related their personal journeys in observing Judaism despite obstacles they experienced.

Following an inspirational Shabbos, the teens towered over the entire legendary “Red Steps” of Time Square and were uplifted by a musical Havdallah ceremony, climaxing the tremendous Jewish pride they experienced over Shabbos.

Later that night, the teens celebrated on festive cruise boats, one for the boys and another for the girls, rocking the Hudson River with vibrant dancing and entertainment.

On Sunday, the teens shared all the Hachlotos they made over the weekend at the ohel. Later, they headed back to Crown Heights for a Jewish heritage tour which included visits to a hand-made-matzah bakery, Freeda wigs showroom, a Safrus study,Tefilin factory, Mikvah, and Judaica stores.

At the leadership banquet on Sunday evening, MC Gary Friedlander, president to CTeen’s chapter in Alpharetta, Georgia, expressed what many of the teens were feeling: “Let me know that I’m not the only one here that wishes we’d be still snowed in so we can continue on here at the Shabbaton!”

At the banquet, the teens filled out forms in which they listed their top 3 parts of the shabbaton. “It was humbling to read the forms- almost every teen included the ohel as a top highlight of the trip!” exclaims Leah Rivkin, Co-director of the Shabbaton.  “One group of teens, whose flight was scheduled for Monday, insisted that they return to the Ohel again before the flight! “

Rachel Conners a sophomore at Homestead High is already making plans for next year’s shabbaton. “I can’t wait to see all the new friends I’ve made and experience such an awesome weekend all over again!”

“The achdus, haclotos, and smiles on these Yiddishe kinders faces is no doubt bringing tremendous Nachas Ruach to the Rebbe,” concludes  Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch.

(Photos by Bentzi Sasson and Chaya Bialestock)