NEW YORK CITY—A delegation of 15 passionate Jewish teens from Valley Chabad CTeen based in Woodcliff Lake attended the highly anticipated 16th Annual CTeen International Summit in New York City.
The summit, Feb. 23–26, attracted more than 3,000 participants from 58 countries across the globe, making it one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of Jewish teens in recent history. This year’s theme: Count On Me.
Amid the vibrant energy of Crown Heights, the Pascack Valley delegation and their peers—experienced “a weekend filled with inspiration, leadership training, and a deeper exploration of their Jewish roots.”
Teens hit tourist hot spots, visited Jewish attractions throughout Brooklyn, experienced the CTeen Choice Awards, and sang and danced at a massive concert in the heart of Times Square. [For more photos check out the March 4, 2024 issue of Pascack Press.]
A huge crowd prayed at the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in Queens on Sunday, a day after the Times Square rally.
The Rebbe’s resting place attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually. As he was mourned, he was celebrated not least for his commitment to education.
We’re told, “This year, the summit holds an even greater significance as it aims to fortify Jewish teens, providing them with a platform to connect with fellow Jewish teenagers and an unwavering commitment to Jewish values amidst the backdrop of recent adversities.”
Additional local participating groups hailed from CTeen chapters in Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Closter and Teaneck.
The annual gathering, which this year hosted a delegation of 200 Israeli teens, including survivors of the Nova Festival massacre, is especially poignant this year in the wake of recent events that have tested the resilience and spirit of the Jewish people since Oct. 7, 2023.
Gail Gluck of Montvale is a junior at Pascack Hills High School and a proud leader at the Valley Chabad CTeen chapter. She told Pascack Press in a statement from Valley Chabad, “After everything that’s happened since Oct. 7, coming together at the CTeen Summit feels more crucial than ever.”
She said, “It’s not just about being Jewish; it’s about standing strong in the face of evil and showing the world the strength of unity and goodness.”
The summit featured an array of programs designed to inspire and engage, including workshops, discussions, and opportunities for prayer and reflection at the world-renowned sacred site, the Ohel, resting place of the Rebbe, the inspiration behind the CTeen movement.
A highlight of the event was the Times Square Havdala ceremony, where thousands of teens filled the crossroads of the world, celebrating their Jewish identity and praying for peace, symbolizing the collective resilience of the Jewish people.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, vice chairman of CTeen International, emphasized the importance of such gatherings in today’s context:
“In a world where our youth are bombarded with countless challenges to their faith and identity, the CTeen International Summit stands as a critical platform to empower the teens to hold strong and be ambassadors of positivity back home,” he said.
Eron Berin, a participant from Upper Saddle River and sophomore at Northern Highlands High School, said “This year’s CTeen Summit was a transformative experience that has deeply impacted my connection to my Jewish identity.”
He said, “Being surrounded by thousands of Jewish teens from around the world gave me a sense of belonging and strength that I’ve never felt before and so important today.”
Local organizers tell Pascack Press “The impact of the CTeen Summit extends beyond the event itself, inspiring participants to return to their communities with renewed vigor to lead and make a difference.”
Rabbi Yosef Orenstein reflected on the significance of the summit: “Our teens have come back invigorated, ready to take on leadership roles within our community and beyond. This experience has not only strengthened their Jewish identity but has empowered them to support their peers as well.”
About CTeen
Valley Chabad CTeen services the Jewish teen community of the Pascack Valley and Saddle River area, led by Rabbi Yosef and Estie Orenstein, is part of the International Chabad Teen Network, the world’s largest network of Jewish teenagers, encompassing over 730 chapters in 58 countries across six continents.
Focused on empowering Jewish teenagers to become leaders in their communities through acts of kindness, community service, and a strong commitment to their values, CTeen is transforming the landscape of Jewish teen engagement.
CTeen locally is part of the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative offering educational, social and community service opportunities to local Jewish teens regardless of affiliation or observance.
To join or to enroll your teen, email estie@valleychabad.org or visit valleychabadteens.com.