Orlando teens represented at International Shabbaton

Six teens traveled to New York for the 14th annual CTeen Shabbaton, an international gathering of close to 3,000 Jewish teens. Led by Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad North Orlando and Mrs. Fraidy Dubov of Chabad of Greater Orlando, teens were treated to a thrilling, non-stop program with tours of Manhattan, inspiring Shabbat meals, talks by renowned speakers, and a highly-anticipated closing ceremony titled "Wherever Whenever".

Last year, the pandemic forced CTeeners online for a virtual Shabbaton. Zoe Carmi from Mont Dora High School is glad to be back in person this year. "This is my third Shabbaton but last year we only had a local event and the international virtual event, it is good to be back for my second time at the Shabbaton in NYC," she said, "it feels like I'm continuing a tradition. This year was Ella Meitis's first time. "Hopefully first of many," Meitis said. 

The highlight of CTeen's INTL Shabbaton is always Saturday Night's havdalah ceremony in Times Square. This year featured a live CTeen Tanya-printing along with a guest performance by Jewish music sensation Berri Weber. 

Times Square came alive with Jewish messages, as the billboards of American Eagle, Express, and Clear Channel were overtaken by CTeen's customized videos. In the spirit of this year's "Whenever, Wherever" theme, images of teens doing mitzvot were broadcasted across Time Square. 

With over 600 chapters around the world, CTeen is the world's fastest-growing teen network. Teens traveled from as far as Morocco and Argentina for last week's International experience. With immersive Jewish experiences focused on social, educational, and humanitarian elements, CTeen is also a way for local Jews to stay connected to each other and their heritage year-round.

"I am the only Jewish kid in the private school I attend," says Malina Jacobson. "Coming on this Shabbaton helped me realize that I am part of a global Jewish community and family. These are memories I will treasure for a lifetime." During Shabbos lunch with a private family in Brooklyn, one of the guest offered a sterling silver Shabbos candlestick to any girl who commits to lighting it every Friday before Shabbos. Malina made the commitment and she will soon be the owner of the beautiful piece complete with her Jewish name engraved on in.