Cteen magazine 2015 final press quality

onnection ‫ב״ה‬

For teens, by teens

Is s u e 2 | sh a bbaton 5775/2015

PoweR

UP!

the school r u o d e n n a b p. 18 h a sukk

RechaRging at the

LeAdership retreAt p. 30

Get your Shabbaton! p. 8

Life After Cteen

CatChing Up with Cteen ALumni p. 34

HumanS of CTeen

p. 24

contents

4 Rebbe's Letter

6 Rabbi Kotlarsky's Letter 8 Get Your ShabbatON! 11

Your Turn to Talk: Shabbaton Planning

12Making an Impact 14Chanukah in Rehab 16Dinner with 4,000 Rabbis School Banned 18The Our Sukkah

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32

Heritage Night @ the Barclay's Center 20Jewish Close with CTeen’s 22Up Director of the Year

24Humans of CTeen

24

28Superman with a C 29

A Look Inside: An Interview with Leah Rivkin

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Issue 2 CTeen Shabbaton 5775 The CTeen Connection Magazine is published once a year by Merkos Suite 302, a division of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch.

770 Eastern Parkway, Suite 302 Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-467-4400 www.cteenconnection.com

29 CHAIRMAN

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky VICE CHAIRMAN

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky

35

PROGRAMMING

30Power Up! in Zion 32Inspiration

20

34

Life After CTeen

35

Catch Up with CTeen Alumni

36

Reflecting On Israel

Rabbi Shimon Rivkin | Executive Director Mrs. Leah Rivkin | Director Rabbi Mendel Perlstein | Projects Manager Rabbi Nochum Schapiro | Production Chana Grifkin | Editor-in-Chief Chanky Friedman | Events Coordinator Mrs. Leigh Gutovich | Kosher Food Club & CTeen Connection Rikki Gurewicz | Customer Service M E R KO S 3 0 2 C E N T R A L S E RV I C E P E R S O N N E L

Rabbi Levi Groner | Design Layout Esty Raskin, Rochele Barber | Graphic Design & Marketing Moshe Raskin | Multimedia Rabbi Mendy Margolin | Technology Miriam Levy-Haim | Assistant Editor EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Rabbi Efraim Mintz Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky Rabbi Berel Frankel Rabbi Duvie Feldman R A B B I N I C A L C O N S U LT A N T

Rabbi Mordechai Farkash S H LU C H I M A DV I S O RY B OA R D

38

Behind The Scenes

42

You Make The Call

What's 44Vibe?

Your CTeen

Rabbi Yitzchok Sapochinsky Rabbi Adi Goodman Rabbi Mendy Cohen Rabbi Michoel Goldin S H LU C H O S A DV I S O RY B OA R D

Mrs. Chaya Elishevitz Mrs. Rochel Flikshtein Mrs. Chaya Posner Mrs. Chaya Rivka Schmerling Mrs. Sara Sherman Mrs. Rochel Telsner

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letter

A Word from the Rebbe The Power of Youth By the Grace of G‑d 20 Iyar, 5720 [May 17, 1960] Brooklyn, NY Greetings and Blessings: Youth has special qualities of untapped reserves of energy and enthusiasm. In addition, being still on the threshold of life, youth has a greater measure of goodness and purity, not having had too much con‑ tact with the negative aspects of life. All these qual‑ ities of youth are extremely important in all youth activities, especially with regard to the education of growing children. Youth responds more readily to youth, as it is more readily influenced intuitively than through the medium of reason. Consequently, the character, feeling and idealistic approach of the instructors and teachers is a decisive factor in the children's education.

I wish you to use all your youthful energies in this most important cause in human life — the upbringing

I wish you to use all your youthful energies in this most important cause in human life— the upbringing of a new generation on firm and proper foundations.

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of a new generation on firm and proper foundations.

I send you my prayerful wishes and blessing that your enthusiasm and efforts be crowned with unqualified success.

‫ב”ה‬

letter

N

ot too long ago, my wife and I had the privilege of hosting the Friday night meal of the first CTeen Shabbaton in our home. Fast forward six years

and there I was standing at a podium during the Shabbaton closing banquet, taking in the energy being transmitted by over a thousand members of CTeen chapters worldwide. It was clear to me that the spirit in the crowded hall was the result of the energy put into regional trips, Shabbatons, summer programs, and holiday events which are taking place in CTeen chapters around the world.

As members of CTeen, you are all responsible for

From the Desk of

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Chairman of CTeen

the exponential growth of the CTeen Network and each Mitzvah performed as a result. It is easy to pat ourselves on the back and get carried away by what has been accomplished. But there is so much yet to be done. There are so many teens who have not yet had the privilege to be touched by CTeen.

Today I challenge you to return home and invite a friend to CTeen. This friend will then refer another

Today I challenge you to return home and invite a friend to CTeen.

This friend will then refer another friend who will lead to another and together we will reach every last Jewish teen.

friend who will lead to another and together we will reach every last Jewish teen.

May the articles within these pages serve as the inspiration and impetus for reaching unprecedented heights. Within each and every one of you lies the key to increase and expand CTeen’s reach and impact, both in quality and in quantity. You carry on the torch to illu‑ minate the world and usher in the coming of Moshiach.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky

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E w

W

A A A A A

THERE’S A BETTER WAY TO FEEL AT HOME ON CAMPUS

‫ב”ה‬

Every year, tens of thousands of Jewish students enjoy good times with good people at Chabad on Campus centers around the world.

What will you find at Chabad on Campus?

A Judaism that is engaging and empowering A community that is vibrant and inclusive A place that is there to help, 24/7 A home away from home A family

To find Chabad on any campus, visit chabad.edu/directory Speak to your local Chabad rabbi for assistance in making a connection on campus.

Chabad on Campus offers: SHABBAT DINNERS HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SOCIAL EVENTS WEEKLY CLASSES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SUBSIDIZED REGIONAL AND NATIONAL EVENTS EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES TO ISRAEL AND EUROPE

S h a b b ato n F e v e r

Get Your ShabbatOn!

Samantha Rosenthal // Dallas, Texas Illustration by Galit Salamat

Warning! This Article May Change Your Life!

I

thought I had it all figured out. Family, friends, extracurricular activities, everything seemed to fit together perfectly. I was always proud of who I was and where I came frfom. But little did I know, Facebook was soon to take me on a journey that would make me question everything and in the end, change me forever.

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As the days passed and I met more people, the differences between their lives and mine disappeared.

I

sat in my living room table with three close friends from my youth group who had just returned from spending a Shabbat in an Orthodox Jewish suburb in Brooklyn called Crown Heights. They attempted to explain their life-altering experiences to me but they just could not seem to find the words to encompass everything they had recently encoun‑ tered. Listening to them go on about it, I knew I had to start my own journey.

A few days later I was informed of a contest that, if I won, would take me to Crown Heights. To enter the contest I simply had to post a status on Facebook about why going on this trip was important. The person with the most “likes” won, all expenses covered. From that moment on, my life was dedicated to constantly marketing my post explain‑ ing why I had to go. After countless hours spent on social media and many restless nights, my post had gone viral. People from around the world, including Israel, were “liking” it! With over 500 likes, my post was no doubt the winner. My hard work was sending me on what would be the trip of a lifetime!

change. The languages on the storefronts went from English to Hebrew, the men were bearded and wore dark suits, and the women were dressed in long skirts. I had seen people like this back home, but I had never been so completely submerged in an Orthodox Jewish community. I was in culture shock.

As the days passed and I met more people, the differences between their lives and mine (that at first seemed so drastic) disappeared. My mind was opened as I not only learned more about my religion, but how similar all people are, no matter where we come from or what we believe. That is when I realized I had overlooked the open arms I was greeted with from the start, and that I had been blinded by what I originally viewed as differ‑ ences between us.

This feeling I was experi‑ encing of a clear mind and

an accepting soul was only the start of a new begin‑ ning. We can all most likely relate to the statement that having a passion and doing what we love is an amazing feeling, but realizing we share that passion with more than 2,000 others and doing what we love together is truly indescribable! On our last night, the entire youth population of Crown Heights gathered in the center of Times Square for a Havdalah service marking the end of Shabbat. With arms wrapped around one another, we sang ancient prayers in unison at the top of our lungs as our faces lit up the jumbo screens for New York City to witness.

That is when I realized I had never belonged anywhere more that I did right there in that moment. A place that seemed foreign just a few days ago now felt like home.

As the screens broadcast us live in the square, more and more onlookers gathered

to watch. The screens lit up with slogans about many different mitzvot, from lighting Shabbat candles, to preparing challah. I had never been more proud of my roots and Jewish herit‑ age in my entire life, leaving me feeling on top of the world with my 2,000 new brothers and sisters. It was a moment I will cherish for many years to come.

My time in Crown Heights taught me many valuable life lessons, including that giving acceptance and living with an open mind only leads to greater opportuni‑ ties. To this day, nothing has compared to the emotions I felt and the friendships I made on that special trip.

The true feeling of belong‑ ing I experienced in my short time there assured me that if I ever find myself lost throughout my life, I will always have a home that will take me in and show me the way, even if it is halfway across the country. C ‫ב“ה‬

Jewish Discovery Program

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Finally, the day arrived when I boarded the airplane that would take me to a town that I imagined as the polar opposite of Dallas. I wasn’t disappointed. As the charter bus drove us into Crown Heights, I noticed my surroundings starting to The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775

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S h a b b ato n f e v e r

Shabbat in the Lone

Star State

The First Annual CTeen Texas Shabbaton Ephie Wiedermann // Plano, Texas

B

ack in September, the teen leaders of the North Texas Chapter sat together with our Shluchim to discuss the upcoming activities for the next few months. As we scheduled events for Sukkot and chapter meet-

ups, we briefly touched upon the idea of holding a regional Shabbaton. I hated to be a pessimist, but I wasn’t sure a group of teens could pull together an entire Shabbaton. Luckily I was proven wrong and with the hard work of all our teen leaders and Shluchim, we organized what we now call the TFACTS, or The First Annual CTeen Texas Shabbaton.

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Your Turn To Talk: Shabbaton Planning Ephie Weiderman: The Shabbaton has to be organized! The better the schedule, the more fun we’ll The Shabbaton launched at Chabad of Dallas on Friday, November 7th. After the initial meet and greet where we all received a T-shirt with our names airbrushed on it, we headed to our host homes, then on to candle lighting, davening, and food!

The highlight of Friday night was when Rabbi Dubrawsky of Chabad of Dallas farbrengened with us about the meaning behind our existence and who we are. It gave us all a clear understanding that who we are is not defined by the sports we play or the schools we attend. When everything is stripped away, who are you? If tomorrow everything you thought you knew about your life was different, how would you define yourself? The answers that the group came up with were thought‑ ful, and inspiring. Every single teen walked away from that farbrengen com‑ pletely blown away.

The following day at lunch we heard another incredible talk by Mr. Josh

have.

I hated to be a pessimist, but I wasn’t sure a group of teens could pull together an entire Shabbaton.

Hochschuler, the creator and owner of Talenti Gelato, a nationwide gelato company. He, an Orthodox Jew, spoke to us about the benefits and challenges of working in the busi‑ ness world while keeping Shabbat. It was especially fascinating for us business minded teens to hear firsthand that it is possible to combine a successful career with a Torah observant life.

Shabbat ended the way that every Shabbaton should, with a concert! We gathered together for Havdalah at the Shops at Willow Bend and stood together, singing and dancing for the whole town to see, it was incred‑ ible! Afterward we went bowling, played laser tag and pool and pretty much gamed until we collapsed!

After hours of fun, we made our way back to Chabad of

Risa Mond: A successful Shabbaton consists of inspiration, fun programs, and relaxation time.

Plano for a Melave Malka that included Chinese food and a raffle for the Golden Ticket: a chance to win free admission to this year’s International Shabbaton in New York! In order to be entered into the raffle, teens took on mitzvot such as donning tefillin or light‑ ing Shabbat candles every week.

Carly Meisel: An awesome Shabbaton has a distinctly Shabbat atmosphere!

Ryan Macdonald: When you can get those who

As we got together again on Sunday morning, the feeling in the air was bittersweet. It was great to have a chance reconnect with people I had met at last year’s New York Shabbaton, as well as meeting a bunch of new people (I call this the CTeen Effect.) By the end of the weekend, all of us walked away feeling like one big family! It was difficult to say goodbye, but we all knew we would be reunited soon in New York. C ‫ב“ה‬

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normally don't participate in Shabbat to participate, that really makes an incredible Shabbaton.

Reut Engle: Comine an amazing atmosphere, amazing people and amazing activities and you can't go wrong!

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I m pact

Toy Drive of Hope CTeen of Wilmington brings joy to children battling illness Abby Kamen // Wilmington, Delaware

n the small city of Wilmington, Delaware, a large CTeen chapter was searching for a group community service project. Ideally, the project would involve not only the 25 teen members but their schools and synagogues as well. The adult supervisors, Rabbi Motti Flikshteins and his wife Rochel, suggested teaming up with Chai Lifeline, a Jewish organization that provides services and programs for the families of children battling serious illnesses.

“It’s kind of like the Jewish Make-AWish Foundation,” Rochel had told the

CTeeners.

When you think of MakeA-Wish, you picture children being page

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sent on trips to Disney World and meeting their favorite celebrities. Chai Lifeline also seeks to bring joy to children with life threatening or terminal illnesses, however they have many unique character‑ istics. Chai Lifeline seeks to alleviate some of the stresses of the families by providing services such as supplying delicious meals, transportation to and from medical appointments, trips for the children, holidays parties, and much, much more. Although many of the services they provide seem

small, they have a profound impact on both the child and his or her family.

My CTeen chapter agreed that Chai Lifeline was a very worthy cause that deserved attention from the commu‑ nity. We brainstormed ideas and came up with a great idea. Since pediatric illness is a huge financial and emo‑ tional burden, we figured it must be difficult for parents to find the time and money to purchase presents for the rapidly approaching holiday season. So what better way to spread some warmth than a CTeen Toy Drive?

By the end of the night, we had bought and received over 100 presents that would be donated to the children helped by Chai Lifeline!

Every CTeen meeting from then on, we dedicated time specifically to our project.

We decorated toy collec‑ tion boxes and placed them at the local JCC, Chabad of Delaware, and various synagogues throughout Northern Delaware. But we didn’t stop there. The majority of our members attend different schools so we encouraged them to find creative means of fundraising. Many of the

teens held themed days at their schools, such as hat days, pajama days, and jeans days. There was a suggested donation for participation.

Other teens enlisted preex‑ isting community service based clubs to help them raise awareness.

On December 2nd, we set up tables outside a Five Below store. A few teens stood at the entrance with a toy collection bin and

informed incoming shop‑ pers of our Chai Lifeline toy drive and suggested they buy an extra toy to donate.

Other teen used the money we had previously collec‑ ted to purchase gifts for the young patients. Other chapter members began wrapping and labeling the presents.

On that chilly Tuesday night, our hearts were glowing. We were in total

awe of the generosity we witnessed throughout the day. Almost every shopper had purchased an extra gift (or multiple gifts) for our toy drive. By the end of the night, we had bought and received over 100 presents that would be donated to the children helped by Chai Lifeline! I was so proud of our chapter. C ‫ב“ה‬

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I m pact

Chanukah in Rehab Bringing the Chanukah spirit to disadvantaged youth Ryan Macdonald & Jace Rikelman Mission Viejo, California

T

his past Chanukah, our CTeen chapter wanted to do something to give back to the community.

Using IMPACT, CTeen’s humanitarian branch, we came across a center called Freehab. Founded by The Teen Project, Freehab is a life transformation center in Sun Valley, California.

They service Los Angeles’s youth, particularly homeless teens, abuse victims, teens struggling with addiction, and refugees from foster care or homeless shelters.

When we went to visit, there were about fifty young women staying the facility.

When we arrived, our group was given a tour. Freehab is comprised of two large buildings, one is newly renovated while the other is

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still under construction.

We then met with the residents in the large social hall. They were very kind and welcoming and after initial introductions, we dispersed into smaller groups to go socialize.

Through our conversations with the residents, we began to realize how often we take our families and lives for granted. These residents did not have that luxury and we did our best to spread the Chanukah cheer as we played dreidel and decorated cookies with everyone.

In the time we had to reflect afterward during the car ride home, our group realized how lucky we were to have supportive families, stable living situations, and an amazing CTeen group. C

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‫ב“ה‬

‫ב“ה‬

For Teens, by Teens

cteenconnection.com Share your story! Email connection@cteen.com

e d i to r i a l

that's me!

Dinner with 4,000 rabbis

My Experience at the Kinus HaShluchim

I

Justin Rosenzweig // Dix Hills, New York

recently attended the grand banquet of the Kinus HaShluchim, the annual con‑ ference of over 4,000 Chabad rabbis in Brooklyn, New York.

Before attending the dinner, I knew that the Lubavitcher Rebbe had sent Shluchim to establish Jewish communities around the world. I had just never considered just how many Shluchim there were, did not truly understand the magnitude, until I was standing in a room filled to capacity with thousands of rabbis from countries spanning six conti‑ nents, all gathered to celebrate the meaning being a Shliach. It was a life changing, mind blowing event.

As the night progressed, I began to understand how all of these rabbis had

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left their homes to spread Chassidus all over the world. I was amazed at the stories told about the Rebbe and how his actions have a continued impact on so many Jews today. Throughout his life, the Rebbe sent hundreds of men and women on shlichus. After his passing, the amount of Shluchim doubled and tripled. Today, almost every state, city, and country has a shliach.

Overall, the Kinus dinner was a night I will never forget. I now know so much more about the Shluchim, and about how much work and effort my rabbis put into bringing more light into the world. I would like to thank Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum for inviting me as his guest to this wonderful event and for giving me the opportunity to share in this incredible experience. C ‫ב“ה‬

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f e at u r e a r t i c l e

Leigh Bojan // Milwaukee, Wisconsin Illustration by Yoni Leykin

The School BANNED Our Sukkah Divine Providence in a Milwaukee High School

I

t was 2013, the beginning of my freshman year. I may have been new to the school, but I knew that I wanted to make an impact right away. With the help of Rabbi Mendy and Mussie Bronstein, a few students got permission to build a Sukkah in the school’s courtyard for all of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, the middle days of the holiday. I was so excited! I hadn’t realized that so many Jews went to my high school, not to mention how many were in my grade. Over 70 people filtered through the Sukkah, fulfilling the mitzvah of eating in a Sukkah, making the blessing on Kosher food, and shaking the lulav and etrog. It was definitely one way to make a statement about our Jewish Pride!

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T

his year as Sukkos neared, we were excited to build the Sukkah again.

Our CTeen leaders, together with some other teens from our community, took charge and all that was left was gaining official permission from the principal. You can imagine how shocked and upset we were when the principal, regretfully, was not able to give permission due to complaints about the Sukkah from the year before. We were devastated.

But instead of being dis‑ heartened, we immediately began to work on finding an alternative. We brain‑ stormed several options but none of them seemed ideal or even possible.

Then, two weeks before Sukkot, my parents were talking to some friends at our Shabbat table who said they knew the woman who lived next door to our high school and that she was Jewish. Talk about Divine

Providence! The following Thursday afternoon, Rabbi Mendy and I went to speak to her. With a prayer on our lips and hope in our hearts, we knocked on the door.

We introduced ourselves to the owner and explained the situation and she gladly gave us permission to build a Sukkah on her driveway.

We were back in business.

We approached the prin‑ cipal again to explain the change of events. He was supportive and approved our request for students to leave campus during lunch to eat in the Sukkah, as long as their parents called in and gave permission.

Several days later, over fifty students had gained permission to leave campus and come use the Sukkah.

On Sunday morning of Sukkot, we gathered at the Jewish neighbor’s house to build the Sukkah Rabbi Mendy had designed, a large 16’x24’ structure.

After three and a half hours of intense work, with the

We were devastated.

But instead of being disheartened, we immeditately began to work on finding an alternative. help of students, friends, and community members, we put the final decorative touches on our beautiful and big Sukkah. We were ready for action!

We knew that if we wanted to gain people’s attention, we’d have to kick it up a notch from the year before.

Community members sponsored full hot lunches for each day, and we planned a delicious menu which included barbecue, falafel, shawarma, and a deli buffet. My grandma and her friends donated desserts for all three days. A supporter also sponsored custom T-shirts that read “The Sukkot Games – Satisfy Your Hunger.”

Over the next three days over 200 students came through the Sukkah to eat, shmooze, and of course,

shake the lulav and etrog.

On the final day, the prin‑ cipal himself came out to see the Sukkah. He was shocked to see how much attention it had gained and how many students were eager to join. Our story even reached the press. We were interviewed by a num‑ ber of news outlets from Milwaukee, as well as from around the country.

Looking back, I am thrilled by the turnout we had and the support we received from the community throughout the holiday. It just goes to show that no matter what the challenge is, if you try hard enough you will succeed. I can‑ not wait for next year to hopefully, with G-d’s help, have our Sukkah back on campus C ‫ב“ה‬

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e d i to r i a l

n y l k o o r B p U g in

Light

nter e C s y a l c r a t at the B h g i N e g a t i r Sam Hollander // Manalapan, New Jersey Jewish He

O

n the sixth night of Chanukah, Jews from across the Tri-State area came together to celebrate the annual Jewish Heritage Night in the Brooklyn Nets’ bas‑ ketball arena, the iconic Barclays Center. It was a cold December evening as I joined my friends from my local CTeen chapter for a night I will never forget.

Chanukah is a time that we celebrate the difficulties and struggles our nation overcame. The story of Chanukah sheds a light on our ability as a nation to overcome negativity. This year, the Jewish nation has experienced a full dose of heartache and no shortage of tragedy. And yet we

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continue to thrive. Jewish events continue to take place and our pride as a nation has never been stronger.

We’ve survived and we will continue to survive.

At the Barclay’s center that night, Jewish pride was in full force. To start things off, the national anthem was belted out by Chassidic cantor Yanky Lemmer from the Lincoln Square Synagogue. After the first quarter there was a menorah lighting using a menorah made out of basketballs and halftime was taken over by a Rabbis vs. teens basketball game. I was amazed at how many people had turned up for the event. CTeen chapters from all over the Tri-State came out for the event. It felt like I was watching the game with my

entire extended family.

I attended this event last year, but it wasn’t until this year that I understood what it was really about.

We aren’t there just to watch a basketball game, albeit a really great one, but it was about thousands of Jewish people coming together to celebrate who we are as a people. When we can recognize who we are and how strong we are, we can act as a light unto the nations. We can help guide those in the dark and bring about a future we are proud of. We have to be, as the basketball players exemplified, good sports. By doing so, we can further the light in the world. Like the miracle of Chanukah, a little light goes a long way. C ‫ב“ה‬

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interview

Up Close with CTeen’s Director of the Year:

Rabbi Shloime Adler Edan Zahibi // Fairfax, Virginia

Last year, Rabbi Shloime Adler of Fairfax, Virginia won the Director of the Year title at the first annual CTeen Choice Awards. CTeen Connection sat down with Rabbi Adler to learn all about his CTeen chapter and what it takes to make a difference.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Montreal, Canada but grew up in Toronto.

How long have you been a CTeen director?

My wife and I have been directing CTeen of Fairfax for six years.

What’s your favorite part of being involved with CTeen?

Working with teenagers!

I love experiencing the page

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energy and joy they add to everything.

What was the most inspiring thing that happened to your CTeen chapter?

After the New York Shabbaton last year, one of the teens called me up and told me that he and a few friends from over‑ seas whom he had met at the Shabbaton had been Skyping every day so that they could put on tefillin together. I was blown away.

What advice would you offer to Shluchim starting a

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775

new CTeen chapter?

My best advice would be not to get discouraged. Keep planning events, keep trying to make connections, and let your work speak for you.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by Lubavitcher Rebbe, who is the leader of our generation. And I’m inspired by teens!

What goals do you hope to accomplish in the future?

Our main goal was, and continues to be, inspiring others to bring more light into the world.

Which CTeen event are you most proud of?

It’s hard to say, because all of our weekly meetings are great. If I had to choose one, I’d say the regional shab‑ baton that we did in May of last year.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a teen?

That anyone, no matter

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their age or predisposition, can change the world.

C

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‫ב“ה‬

‫ב“ה‬

in

a t n i o r na e t

I S G T

Celebrate ShabbaT with your Chapter as Cteen worldwIde unites to keep

one Shabbat together.

{ april 24 5 iyar

l

f e at u r e

Humans of cteen Tori Bischoff //S. Petersburg, FL Leigh Gutovich // Los Angeles, CA

What does the power of youth mean to you?

The stage of youth is a very powerful, and intense time.

I think the power of youth is recognizing how each and every teen had the potential and the power to make decisions that can- and willchange the world.

-Itty Prus Shlucha to Newton, Massachusetts

What does making a difference mean to you?

“Making a difference means impacting one person in a positive manner with a smile, conversation, or just being there for them.”

-Yasmine Shahar Las Vegas, Nevada

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What does connecting to your fellow Jews mean to you?

“CTeen has opened my eyes to a whole new kind of love for my fellow Jews and humans in general.

Before CTeen, when I met someone and they told me they were Jewish, I felt an instant connection. It’s no longer just a connection.

It’s now a deep love I have for that person. A life-long friendship.”

- Lee Kadury S. Petersburg, Florida

How has CTeen impacted your life?

“I became more confident and happier. I also developed a network of friends around the world.”

-Dory Abelman Toronto, Ontario

How do you define Jewish pride?

“I see it as believing strongly in G-d as well as always surrounding yourself with Jewish friends and keeping mitzvot as much as possible.”

-Brenda Hamicha El Paso, Texas

What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

“I always think these side comments in my head and that is why I will randomly smile.”

How has Torah affected your life?

What does Jewish pride mean to you?

“I’ve found Torah to be the blueprint of a fulfilling and good existence. I try to be conscious of G-d in every moment and work to strengthen my connection with Him. Given the repetitive nature of some mitzvot, such as davening, focusing on and meaning the words I’m saying can be a struggle.

I’m working on thinking about my relationship with G-d beyond just saying the words.”

“Jewish pride is knowing that I am part of G-d’s nation and that I am part of a greater mission to make the world a better place. And it’s about always having the thought in the back of my head that no matter what, I will always be a Jew.” -Sam Hollander Manalapan, New Jersey

-Archie Weindruch Bettendorf, Iowa

-Kalaneet Shahar Las Vegas, Nevada

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

What’s the biggest impact CTeen has had on your life?

“I see myself with a prestigious medical degree and starting to settle in a very urban and modern city somewhere in America. Hopefully I will have a met a nice Jewish boy and I’ll be beginning my career in a top hospital. Oh and of course I’ll be within walking distance of a Chabad and I’ll be the best friend to all the CTeeners.”

“CTeen has really connected me to my inner Jewish pride.

Meeting so many teens from around the world helps me see that there are so many other people out there embracing their Judaism.”

-Alison Amar Potomac, Maryland

What is your ultimate goal?

“To get married earlier than most people do nowadays.

Settle down, have kids. And pursue my career in biomed/ biochem engineering.”

- Sara Bensimhon Potomac, Maryland

What’s your biggest goal in life?

“To do good things for the people around me and progress in Torah.”

-Ephie Wiedermann

-Eve Sebbag

Plano, Texas

Paris, France

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Which CTeen event had the biggest impact on you?

“Definitely the first Shabbaton I ever went to.

After that I started lighting Shabbat candles and I’m still doing it four years later!”

What’s something you wish people knew about you ?

“I love life and I love sharing moments with others.”

-Julie Sabbah Paris, France

-Jamie Sheer Orlando, Florida

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

What is your ultimate goal?

“I hope to be happily married, finishing up med school, and living in New York surrounded by family and friends.”

“To help out and bring joy to the world. To help people focus less on their problems and more on the positive. To eliminate the darkness!”

-Gabrielle Sharbin

-Samuel Gabbay

Fairfield, Connecticut

Montreal, Canada

How do you want to make an impact on the world?

What does Jewish pride mean to you?

“I hope to impact the world by taking everything I see around me as a lesson and then teaching those lessons to others.

“Being able to answer that yes, you are Jewish, no matter where you are or who you are talking to.”

-Carly Meisel

Ryan MacDonald Mission Viejo, California

Newton, Massachusetts

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

“I think the world should have less extremes. Less extreme wealth and less extreme poverty. I’d like to see more balance in the world.”

“Remember to think for yourself and do not allow peer pressure to get the best of you.”

-Rachel Mehlman Manchester, United Kingdom

-Jacob Shultz Windmere, Florida

Send us pics and quotes of the remarkable people you have encountered at CTeen!

Email humans@cteen.com or message us on Facebook.

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E d i to r i a l

For an entire year, our community did nothing else but eat, sleep, breathe, and dream about barbecue.

Gabrielle Sharbin // Fairfield, Connecticut

T

his year, Chabad of Fairfield hosted the First Annual Southern New England Kosher BBQ Championship and Festival. Quite the mouthful, huh?

It was a fun, exciting, and mouthwa‑ tering event that all started with a simple idea. Last year my father and his friends sat around talking about starting a club for people who love to barbecue and love to eat. Their con‑ versation started a chain reaction that quickly escalated into an event that hosted thousands of people!

The BBQ Festival officially kicked off on September 7th. Over 3,000 people from all walks of life came together to enjoy scrumptious food and enter the BBQ competition.

Nineteen teams participated, including my very own CTeen chapter from Chabad of Fairfield.

The competitors were fierce but the competition was really fun and our chapter won 5th place in ribs!

Not bad for a group of amatuer chefs.

The food may have been the main event but the festival also included dozen of vendors who sold paint‑ ings, crafts, food, jewelry, and more. Several entertainers per‑ formed throughout the afternoon, ranging from rock, jazz, and magic shows.

It was amazing to see how all of our hard work had paid off. For an entire year, our community did nothing else but eat, sleep, breathe, and dream about barbe‑ cue. Anything is possible when you put your mind to it...and when the food’s just right! C ‫ב“ה‬

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Superman With A Mikah Semon // Mequon, Wisconsin

Illustrated by Shevy Levin On Sunday The rough cotton underbelly of the tuxedo shirt Harshly caressed my pale skin beneath Illuminating glows emanate from every light fixture in the packed auditorium In the crowded venue Where life continues it’s never-ending performance.

In the spaces of my heart The suns expose a dark outline plastered to my chest.

A different kind of Friday night lights glowed softly In the corner of the quiet synagogue Just two days before People chatted and wandered about anxiously awaiting The arrival of the man who would Sing us to salvation But no sounds entered my ears And the space around me was clear Revealed by the soft candlelight The C stood out in stark relief from beneath my shirt.

The brave letter indeed gave off a magnificent hue from under the layers of cotton with which I concealed it It sang a song in the back corner of the synagogue It uttered it’s own words from underneath the costume on the stage It glowed with a vibrancy I did not quite understand On Monday, I wore a green shirt The oppressive folds of the linen fabric Obscured all but the faintest trace Of it’s beauty underneath On Thursday I hid it from the world again The unforgiving acrylics of the sweater Refused to let any trace show through I all but forgot it was there Lingering though at the farthest reaches of my memory was it shining page

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Countenance far beneath the folds of my clothing The white C embraced by haphazard splashings of blue and orange.

The white C who attended all ceremonies I did Who stepped out into the bright lights of the stage when I did Who accompanied me everywhere Who embodied a part of me I will never be able to explain On that Thursday, no one else saw it But I knew it was there underneath it all When I looked at the C that shined through The translucent shades of the shirt I chose I still felt like Superman Attached to my frame like any limb Like any love The treasured C

And the strings which belonged to it Gave me strength beyond that of my own Superman has an “S” I have a C I have it On Saturday, I faced choices It does not matter what they were It does not matter where I was when I chose To keep Shabbat I looked deep within my white shirt and found the C It gave me strength.

I am Superman!

I just spell it with a C.

A Look Inside:

interview

C

teen

“I think it's

LR: At first CTeen was

known just for the New York Shabbaton. It has now transformed into a move‑ ment that every Chabad house community is a part of or is taking strides to join.

What has CTeen accomplished so far?

Leah Rivkin Tori Bischoff // S. Petersburg, Florida

Established in 2007, CTeen, the Chabad Teen Network, has grown from 1,500 teens in 30 chapters to 10,000 teens in 135 chapters in 17 countries worldwide today. CTeen Connection’s Tori Bischoff spoke to CTeen Co-Director Leah Rivkin to get the scoop on the inner workings of CTeen.

Where did the idea for CTeen come from?

What was the original vision?

LR: At the annual gather‑ ing of Chabad Shluchim in 2008, thousands of Shluchim made a group res‑ olution to start developing programming for teens. As a result, Merkos Suite 302 organized the first national Chabad teen Shabbaton.

The rest, as they say, is history.

LR: The original vision is

still our vision today. To reach every Jewish teen and show them how they can be leaders, as the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught us.

How has CTeen changed since it started?

misconception that you have to offer a watereddowned Judaism so

LR: On paper we can make

An Interview with CTeen Co-Director

a common

note of regional trips and Shabbatons, camps, holiday events, and leadership retreats. We’ve empowered Chabad Shluchim with the programming resources and tools to arrange social, humanitarian, and edu‑ cational activities. But in truth, only G-d can calculate the ultimate accomplishments as every mitzvah that resulted from a teen attending a CTeen program has infinite value. My favorite accom‑ plishment is the launch of our Mitzvah bank which provides sets of tefillin and Shabbat candles for teens who commit to observing these mitzvot.

teens can relate to it.”

What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve learned from a teen?

LR: Where do I start?

Every bus ride or simple encounter with a teen has taught me tremendous lessons. One thing that sticks out is their refusal to be satisfied with things that aren’t the way they believe they should be. I think it’s a common misconception that you have to offer a watered-downed Judaism so teens can relate to it.

Time and time again, teens have shown me they want the real thing.

What does the power of youth mean to you?

LR: It’s not just a slogan we plaster over our CTeen gear and videos. This is the engine of CTeen. There’s no way we would have been able to come so far, just six years since our incep‑ tion, without the “power of youth”. The Rebbe taught us that power is not something to be afraid of, it all depends on how you channel it. The worst thing we can do with the energy of the youth is bottle it up.

What are you hoping to accomplish in the future?

LR: Our goals include building more Torah study opportunities, creating a solid CTeen Alumni Network, building a stateof-the-art website for teens, expanding our summer programs to Europe, Israel, and Asia, and to create regional offices, to name just a few! C ‫ב“ה‬

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f e at u r e

Power Up!

Recharging at the Leadership Retreat Risa Mond // Plano, Texas

S

tepping onto the bus, I could already feel the excited energy from all my fellow leaders, as we anticipated the inspiring and motivational weekend ahead. We weren’t disappointed. The retreat was filled with learning, discussions, and self-exploring. We were not just told, “This is how to be a leader” rather we spent the weekend sharing advice, personal experiences, and Torah lessons, all to help guide us to reach our potential.

The seminars we had were not your “average” seminars (but then again, when does Chabad ever go the average route?) The covered a range of topics including learning to look out for others, the power of networking, the power of us youth, how to make a real impact and working as a team. At one session, we were given time to vent and share the struggles we were experiencing within our chapters. Once someone shared a setback, numer-

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ous hands shot up from fellow leaders to offer advice. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that a leader doesn’t always have to lead. A good leader delegates, giving others the chance to take charge, and leads selflessly.

On Friday night Rabbi Shais Taub farbrenged for the teens. He discussed many concepts, but one really stuck with me. He was speaking about pain and suffering and what they mean. He explained that pain is an immediate reaction to harm, while suffering comes after. Suffering is what you get from thinking too much about the pain, and nothing good can come from it. He used stepping on a Lego as an example. You feel the discomfort right away - this is the pain. Afterward, you start to think, “Oh, why does this always happen to me?”, “I’m so stupid, I should have looked where I was stepping!”

This train of thought is suffering. But suffering can be completely avoided just by saying, “Hey, things

happen”. This whole idea really made me think about my life and my feelings and how I go about things.

It wasn’t just the scheduled talks that had an impact.

It was also the unexpected, spontaneous behind-thescenes conversations. One night, I sat down with one of the staff members and what began as small talk slowly turned into a deep discussion. I confided in her regarding my struggles with my family, friends, and taking on more mitzvot. As she sat there, listening intently to every word and offering words of encouragement and help, I felt like a weight was being lifted off my shoulders. I had met her just a mere three days before, yet I felt connected to her and I felt she genuinely cared for me.

One of my favorite parts of the retreat was our brainstorming session about this year’s Shabbaton. We were given the space to share our ideas freely and really make over the Shabbaton. CTeen doesn’t just say “Power of Youth” they really do give the power to the youth.

Throughout the weekend I gained a better understanding of what it means to be an effective leader. I learned how to positively affect others around me and gained a deeper appreciation for the opportunities CTeen provides me. By the end of the retreat, I felt I had truly grown as an individual and became more self-aware. Most important of all, I was inspired to make a difference in the world. It is up to us teens to carry on the Jewish peoples’ customs and make a good name for Jews all around the world. CTeen makes me want to be a better person and do better for the world.

I realized that it is not just about saying we will make a difference, it is about doing and being an example for other teens is essential in making a difference.

I boarded the bus heading back to the airport, newly motivated and properly prepared to successfully do my job as a CTeen leader. I was ecstatic to bring all the new ideas I had learned and put my own twist on them to help benefit my chapter. C ‫ב“ה‬

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A good leader delegates, giving others the chance to take charge, and leads selflessly.

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CT e e n x t r e m e

Inspiration in

Zion (National Park)

My Adventures on CTeen Xtreme Adrian Fraser // Newport, Oregon

T

his past summer I had the incredible oppor‑ tunity of attending CTeen Xtreme, a two week travel camp that crosses the western United States. It was my first time attending a CTeen program but it definitely won’t be my last! It was one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed every single part, including the trips, extreme sports, learning with my fellow campers and counselors, and even the (really really) long bus rides.

CTeen XTreme was a whole new world for me. I lived in Portland, Oregon until I was eight years old when we moved to Newport. Up until that point, although we were not religious, we celebrated holidays and often went to

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my grandparents’ house for Shabbat dinner. However, once we moved to Newport, most of that stopped.

Last summer, I decided I wanted to reconnect to my Jewish roots. I told my parents I wanted to have a

Bar Mitzvah. I studied with Chabad in Portland, a three hour bus ride away. I was given a pair of tefillin and I tried my best to wrap and say Shema every day before school. As there is no Jewish community in Newport, I

had to find ways to connect from home. I joined JNet, an online learning program. Through JNet I was introduced to CTeen. I decided to sign up for the CTeen Xtreme summer camp, thinking it would be a fun time. I didn’t realize it was actually going to be a life-changing spiritual and emotional experience.

Throughout the summer, I connected with my counselors and learned more about Judaism. They were open, caring, and ready to listen and answer any questions I had. As the summer progressed, it began to feel like we weren’t just a group of kids in a traveling camp, but more like kings, venturing across the country and spreading light and joy everywhere we went.

Near the end of camp I discovered that the blessing recited at the end of a baby boy’s bris was not recited by mine. I decided then and there to have the final blessing completed and on the day of my flight I did so. I also added another

As the summer progressed, it began to feel like we weren’t just a group of kids in a traveling camp, but more like kings, venturing across the country and spreading light and joy everywhere we went.

Hebrew name to my own, and I am now proud to say that my name is Eliahu Shalom. Everything I learned and gained this summer would never have been possible with‑ out CTeen. It was an experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to go again next summer! C ‫ב“ה‬

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L i f e A f t e r CT e e n

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To be honest, Before I joined CTeen, my connection to Judaism and Israel was minimal, almost nonexistent. page

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his time last year I was in my senior year of high school, preparing to travel to New York for what would be my last CTeen Shabbaton.

Fast forward a year later, I am now what is known as a “lone soldier” in the Israeli Army.

In fact, I am writing this from a tent in the middle of the desert during basic infantry training. It feels like it’s been forever since I was dancing with my friends in Times Square, but all the insight and inspiration I gained from that incredible weekend are still fresh in my mind.

My memories swirl with all the good times I had at CTeen, from celebrating the holidays, doing community service, attending weekly

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775

Jesse Barbieri// Teaneck, New Jersey lessons with Rabbi Goldin, and of course, the annual New York Shabbaton.

To be honest, Before I joined CTeen, my connec‑ tion to Judaism and Israel was minimal, almost nonex‑ istent. During my time at CTeen, I learned more and embraced my Jewish iden‑ tity. I even experienced my first trip to Israel through CTeen. A year following that trip, I had made up my mind; I was a proud Jew who wanted to defend Israel. I decided I wanted to enlist in the Israeli Army, specifically the Nahal Infantry Brigade.

When I arrived in Israel to begin my training, I had to take a simple basic training

and Hebrew course. Thanks to those weekly lessons of Hebrew with my awesome Rabbi, I learned Hebrew quickly and was able to pro‑ ceed faster than expected.

Along the journey I’ve had here in the past couple of months, I’ve made new friends and learned a lot about life, sort of like what I experienced every year at the Shabbaton. At first we are all introducing ourselves and getting to know others, but within days we all felt like family.

I had that same experience here in Israel. People have been so nice and welcoming and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ve absolutely enjoyed the army so far and I’m excited to see what the rest of my service holds.

I’m glad I came here, and I certainly wouldn’t have been here had it not been for Rabbi Goldin and CTeen. Thank you CTeen for making the past four years some of the best years of my life. You’ve helped me gain a sense of who I am.

Not only have I transitioned from civilian to soldier in the literal sense, I’ve also transitioned to a soldier in Hashem’s army. C ‫ב“ה‬

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Catch Up with CTeen Alu

in College

Keeping it Cool

Lif e Af t e r CT e e n

We knew even with a small

number of Jews

on campus we could make a difference

We always heard the CTeen Shabbaton was a life-changing experience, but we never anticipated how big of an impact it would have on us. We are always reminiscing about the incredible weekend we had in New York. The CTeen Shabbaton was truly a blessing in our lives. As CTeen alumni, we continue to use the inspiration and insight the Shabbaton gave us to inspire others.

W

ith both of us now in college, we knew that Jewish life on campus was a must on our check‑ list. However, we decided to stay close to home for at least our first few years of college and the schools in our vicinity did not have large Jewish populations or Jewish programs on campus. But having learned how to Stephanie become Jewish leaders in our own right during our time with CTeen, we knew even with a small number of Jews on and Vicky campus we could make a difference.

Blitshtein Stephanie: During my freshman year, I would constantly hear from my friends, who went to schools with large

University of Jewish populations, about attending awesome events and meeting so many Jewish students. I remember seeing a

Texas at Dallas lot of them attending the International Shabbaton for

Chabad on Campus and was longing for a chance to attend with my own school and fellow students. During winter vacation after my first semester, I volunteered to help at a Chanukah event in Dallas. At the volunteer meeting, I met Rabbi Levi Dubrawsky who was in the beginning stages of starting a Chabad on Campus at my school, the University of Texas at Dallas. I immediately jumped on board!

Today, Chabad on Campus at UTD is an awesome aspect of Jewish life on campus.

Our weekly lunch and learn events “Torah Tuesdays”,

holiday parties, and Shabbat dinners have become famous, not only at UTD but in all four of the surrounding colleges in Dallas. We have students drive an hour from their campuses for our events. This past November, the seven students from UTD attended the International Chabad on Campus Shabbaton. It was a dream come true!

Vicky: I began to attend Chabad on Campus events as soon as I entered college. I found Jewish students at my school, Collin College, as the semester progressed. In the spring semester of 2015, Collin College will be starting their own Chabad on Campus with me as president!

Both: We are truly blessed with how Jewish life on campus worked out at our colleges. And without CTeen, we would not have the leadership skills or know the value and importance of Judaism in our daily lives, to push us to start the Jewish life on campus in our schools. Our CTeen Shluchim, Rabbi Yudi and Esther Horowitz, truly opened our eyes to the beauty of Judaism, which we cannot live without now.

To the future college students in CTeen, we encourage you to get involved in Jewish life on campus or start Jewish life on campus wherever you may go. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling across the world, use the skills and love for Judaism that CTeen has instilled in you to continue bringing light and inspiration to your peers, wherever you go. C ‫ב“ה‬

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e d i to r i a l

Reflecting

on

ISRAEL

Jacob Schultz //Windermere, Florida

I

srael has always been something of a mystery to me. Though I had general knowledge of the history and culture of the country, I never connected to or thought much about it. But with recent events that had Israel plastered all over the media, I started wondering what it is about this tiny country no bigger than New Jersey that always man‑ ages to grab people’s attention.

I decided to dig deeper and educate myself and made it my mission to find out more

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about this small yet significant country.

Though Israel is one of the youngest countries in the word, it has a past that goes back to ancient times. In Parshat Lech Lecha in the Torah, G-d promises the Land of Israel to Abraham’s children, making it the homeland of the Jewish people.In modern times, the country of Israel has only existed since 1948, when the U.N. recognized Israel as a sovereign state. Immediately following their decision, Israel

was attacked relentlessly by surrounding countries. Fast forward to this day and age and Israel is still under constant threat by its neighbors.

The last time I can recall the situation in Israel being as dire as it was this summer was in 2008. I was eleven years old, and at such an age I did not care to dwell on Middle Eastern politics. Now six years later, I’ve become more aware and have an interest in keeping up with the politics and news.

I’ve always considered myself more of a sideline observer but it’s hard to stay in neutral when what the media likes to “expose” about Israel is so far from the truth. While Hamas and other ter‑ rorist organizations hide behind their civilians, destroying schools, hospitals, and homes, Israel works to protect the lives of all her residents, Jewish or not. I learned that Israel never attacks first and always holds the grounds for a ceasefire unless they are attacked.

Israel has one of the most humane (and well-trained) armed forces in the world.

What the media always fails to depict are the many virtuous qualities of Israel that make it a safe and nur‑ turing country, not just for the Jews

from all backgrounds who call it home, but for people from every walk of life. Israel has opened its arms and borders to people from all over the world and Arabs living in Israel have as many rights as Israelis, which debunks the media’s tales of Israel being an apartheid state. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and unlike the rest of the Middle Eastern countries, Israelis can choose how to live without threats from the government. In Israel you can also serve in the military regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Women in Israel have more rights than any other country in that region. They are allowed to serve in the army, go to school, and run busi‑ nesses. Some of the most successful

companies in Israel are run by women.

This is not something you see in Saudi Arabia or Jordan.

Not only is Israel a tolerant and diverse place, it is advanced technolo‑ gically and medically, with innovative ideas streaming out of its many learn‑ ing institutes and laboratories. Israeli doctors and researchers are at the forefront of medical breakthroughs and the inventions that keep emerging from Israel continually astound the world.

I’m glad that I decided to learn more about Israel. It’s a fascinating country and now that I’ve learned about the wonders of Israel, I can proudly stand up for and support it. I can’t wait to visit in the near future. C ‫ב“ה‬

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s e n e c he S n

o T i t d c n e i n Con Beh n e e T @C

ine? agaz ing our m s i k ing th d ma ada creat rets behin , Can o l t a n i e r c s ont e goe the se en y // M nd timIT, shares a a sixte b , k b r ’m a o I e . s G w y u , rt uel in-ho IT Gu and f effo Sam oper/ pdating, ally to ind o nnection’s l k e t v e a u D , sic wh Co s The es testing y job is ba ise. nder y, CTeen cess. a o n w r w a d c r o Eve el Gabb log a su inclu hey a ers. M so kn ay, al an IT guy ort to oth s when t b Samu zine and b b a m lG of pp le and s. prob e life ch su amue maga riters s, by teen s to I’m S day in th ffering te and to fix w ! f e o n n o e r , o m e y g o h a s e r a t p e a t t e t r ve er ll oo e’re a ers. It’s fo Parsha r log to Hey e old. An av are as we stays sm W ? n m g w ad t ro tio he b years ging soft everythin nnec t to our re rything f ringing t things tha o C g t n u e b e n v t e e n e u l t T o deb sure tha l o h n C work e’ve a ut, ab k, wit ns at est co make appe iver the b es a wee gether to onate abo ething w herever h y l l m m o ctua ng to del three ti we get t ’re passi ich is so er from w , e hat a i o So, w opers, try log two t ce a year ut what w world, wh be a lead n n b devel date the rticles. O write abo ight to the nyone ca ge a p l A avera one, e s u . e t n n W r e n a . e o e W e n m v m T r e .O , ph . nt nC ttle e fo ways acebook t parts t curre magazin to add a li our time i ter screen n e r F , il les ffe life in r, and try do during d a compu ny di s via ema f the coo ch other. a m o n e c i a i e matt d how to it’s behin ared d top s. On rom e e f ets sh rticles an new idea learned f oved from g n learn re, even i o r i a t a with we’ve all has imp ends from scuss orma they i h s e, inf am will di ing up g a much wish root ith my fr m throug d d w e s e i ay an ection Te antly com how s n J a i d e d l g y s c i a m arti about Ju ever im In th e Conn ’re const s seeing g n i t h i wri w more thing I n day, t xting. We the team tion with o e f c t e o to kn itely some d t n n a par and con ing, and n g fi n i e e d nd is ion g, chatt of b ind ime a n ffiliat ing le beh en their t uccess.

My a of debati try. Gett sign p o e n s eas the p e giv nd hour d the cou nd web de hank n who hav d magazin the behi s t n a o t u g t t o le n e o n n i c i ar g a a i t t m c o g w r I am nne the blo le year t of the a g o C n progr happen!

CTee to making ait a who nd many d excitin lom, d woul w y an ha n fi energ n’t have to n, you ca ell as new habbat S . If o e S o e l d w l d One of the You nes on CT azine, as ish you a uch as I g m e w a s c I a s the d in the m he blog. abbaton coolest parts h ! re nt SG) featu weekly o njoy the S to say hey J_MA D s of being part of e e e l r l @ l i ( c u arti e you w , make s bay l Gab d op the team is seeing amue and h me aroun S ee you s how much we’ve

all learned from each other.

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Meet The CTeen Connection Crew

Leigh Gutovich f Editor-in-Chie

Chana Grif kin Contributing Ed

Archie Weindruch Copy Editor & Writer

itor

Writers

Chaya Muri k Graphic Design er

Samuel Gabbay Blog development/IT

Tori Bischoff Interviews

Sam Hol la nder Writer

i se l y Me Carl r e Writ

sh

s Jewi Mond rent event Jacob Schu ltz R i sa Is ur & news

c

raeli news &

politics

Shahar Yasmine sha Pro Pa Weekly

r

Gabr i

Week el le Sh ly Pa a rsha rbin P ro

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775 

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Contributing Writers

Jessie Barbeiri Contributing Writer

Leigh Bojan Contributing Writer

htein Adrian Fras Blits Writer e i k c Vi Contributing er uting b i r t Writer Con

Justin Rosenzweig Contributing Writer

Stephanie Bl Contributi itshtein ng Writer

Ryan Cont McDona ld ribu t i ng Writ

men Abby Ka ting Writer u b i Contr

er

kelman Jace Ri ting Writer u b Contri

Ephie Wi ed Contribu ermann ting Wri ter

Samantha Ro Contributi sentha l ng Writer

Illustrators

Mi kah Semon Writer Contributing

Ed a n Z a h i bi Contributi ng

yken Yoni Le or at r t s u Il l

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Ga li t Il lu Sa lama s tr a t tor

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775 

Writer

‫ב”ה‬

MAZEL TOV TO OUR NOMINEES FROM EACH CATEGORY!

FEMALE CATEGORY

Rachel Wilkes

Risa Mond

Carly Meisel

Ben Bursk

Samuel Gabbay

Sam Hollander

Mission Viejo

Dix Hills

Gaithersburg

Hallandale Beach, FL

Plano, TX

Newton, MA

MALE

CATEGORY

Manchester, UK

Cote S. Luc, QC

Manalapan, NJ

CHAPTERS CATEGORY

California

New York

Maryland

You Make

The Call Find out what teens leaders from around the world had to say about CTeen.

Deadlines

18.2

Independence 36.4

Which of these factors foster teen responsibility?

45.5

Teamwork

discussion types: What kind of discussion do you prefer?

50%

Stories page

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The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775 

30%

Debates

20%

Epic Rap Battle

how would you spend a million dollars?

% 75 Shabbatons and Regional Events

15%

Gear 5%

Humanitarian Projects 5%

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how did you get started with cteen?

Through my local Chabad House By attending the international Shabbaton in New York My friends convinced me What are you looking forward to the most during this year's international shabbaton?

20%

15%

65% Seeing my friends from around the world!

Learning and getting inspired

Meeting new people

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775 

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What’s Your CTeen Vibe?

1. Which of your family members know about CTeen? a. Everyone, even your third cousins twice removed who you only see once a year at the Passover Seder. b. Parents and siblings.

C. Your family thinks CTeen is a garage band.

2. Your CTeen Chapter is planning a Shabbaton. Do you: a. Sign up thirty seconds after registration opens. b. Find out if any of your friends are going before you sign up.

C. It’s finals week, there’s too much going on.

Maybe next time?

3. Your friends invite you go out.

You wear: a. Your CTeen Shabbaton sweatshirt, T-shirt, and cap. b. A CTeen T-Shirt C. Clothes…?

4. Your phone has which of the following backgrounds: a. The CTeen logo b. A picture of Alex Clare C. A selfie with friends 5. It’s the kickoff CTeen event of the year. Do you: a. Show up early to help set up. b. Arrive right on time.

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The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775

C. Debate about whether or not it’s worth going, but then go and wonder why you ever debated going.

9. What’s your favorite Jewish quote? a. We want Moshiach now! b. Think good and it will be good.

C. We fought, we won, let’s eat!

6. You hashtag #cteen a. In all your pictures. b. After a major CTeen event.

C. You don’t hashtag pictures, 10. Which phrase best describes your CTeen-ness? it takes so long. a. I eat, sleep, breath, CTeen.

It’s my whole life!

7. How well do you know the b. I love seeing my friends at CTeen anthem?

Shabbatons and events. a. Every word - you helped C. I’m getting used to the compose it! energy and I like the social b. Just the chorus. It’s your scene. alarm clock ringtone.

C. Just the “I’m a Jew, a proud one too” line.

8. When you arrive at a CTeen event the first thing you do is: a. Introduce yourself to new CTeeners. b. Hang out in the corner with people you already know.

C. Wait for the Rabbi or someone you know to introduce you to the group.

If you picked mostly A you are: A CTeen Machine!

If you picked mostly B you are: Into the CTeen vibe.

If you picked mostly C you are: Still a CTeen newbie.

The CTeen Connection Magazine 5775

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‫ב“ה‬

Š 2015 CTeen International

www.cteen.com