Orlando teens participate in International CTeen NYC Weekend

"It was a time square takeover! The Jewish pride was epic!" This was just one of the many comments made by the Orlando teens who participated in the annual CTeen NYC Shabbaton.

CTeen, the fastest growing Jewish youth organization in the world, hosted a four-day event in New York, which drew in a record breaking 2300 people. Teens from the three participating CTeen chapters of Lake Mary, Maitland and South Olando joined with other Jewish teens from around the world for a weekend of empowerment, inspiration and of course, off the charts fun. Over the weekend teens had discussions and classes with various internationally famous speakers. They heard about overcoming challenges and facing fears from Dina Hurwitz, whose husband is battling ALS. They were taught about the responsibility they hold as Jewish teens to ensure the continuity of the Jewish nation, and how to ensure that Judaism not just survive throughout the generations, but thrive.

A highlight of the weekend was Saturday night, when Manhattan's Times Square was completely marked off specifically for the Jewish teens while they had a powerful Havdallah ceremony and concert, and watched a video of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the head of the Chabad movement and a leader of world Jewry, speak about the importance of spreading Judaism and Jewish Pride. At the end of the weekend, the teens were reluctant to go home. Yet, as they headed back to their respective states and countries, they took with them more than the memory of a great time and a phone filled with pictures; they were empowered to give what they had gained on to another Jewish friend back at home. 

To hear more about CTeen's amazing programs contact Cteen@jewishorlando.com