WOODCLIFF LAKE—Excitement and celebration were the words of the day Thursday, May 16, as Valley Chabad hosted a gala to honor and recognize “the exceptional teen volunteers and participants of the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative.”
Approximately to 200 teens, parents, and friends came together at a lavish atrium on Tice Boulevard to show their support for the teens powering Valley Chabad’s teen programs:
- CTeen encourages teens to grow and learn about themselves and their community. Core values and character development are enforced through social get-togethers, community service and fun in a dynamic Jewish environment.
- Friendship Circle teens provide friendship to countless individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational and social activities. In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle enriches the many teen volunteers by enabling them to reap the rewards of selfless giving.
- Linking Hearts is a unique program in which teen establish interpersonal relationships by visiting home bound senior citizens and nursing home residents. The group meets monthly at the Jewish Home for group activity, art and enjoyable interactions.
- CTeen U is a college course on the tenets of Judaism. Earning prestigious private college credits while exploring Judaism’s guidelines for the young, aspiring entrepreneur, business owner, or Wall Street executive. Just 14 one-hour-long classes earns two college credits.
- Eternal Flame is a community effort to brighten the very existence that the Nazis labored to extinguish. Through firsthand testimony, study and discussions, volunteering and trips, we are fortifying our own Jewish pride and sharing the joy with our respective circles.
- JText teens receive a twice weekly Jewish Trivia Text called “JText” to supplement their Jewish education, connect with peers and have a little fun at the same time.
According to Rabbi Yosef Orenstein, director of the Teen Leadership Initiative, “The event was a testament to the incredible impact the teens have made on our Pascack Valley and Saddle River towns over the years.
He tells Pascack Press that “The highlight of the evening was the inspiring words shared by teen speakers, who passionately recounted their personal experiences of growth and impact through their involvement in Valley Chabad’s programs. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of community and mentorship.”
Orenstein said Valley Chabad extends its deepest gratitude to all who attended the gala event, as well as to the donors, volunteers, and participants who make the Teen Leadership Initiative a resounding success. “Together, we continue to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders within our community.”
He told the assembled, “Each of you here tonight is a light. Shining in your own special way. Your dedication makes an imprint and brightens lives all across the region. But together, at our core, we are one. One nation and one people.”
Nikki Weis, a Pascack Hills High School graduate, shared how much CTeen U has helped her: “I feel honored to share how impactful this course has been for my Jewish identity. I highly encourage all of my peers to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about yourselves, your culture, your ancestry and how to continue spreading love and peace in a world with so much hate.”
Jordan Schwartz from Woodcliff Lake shared how Linking Hearts had helped shape him: “This is something I will always hold on to. I know that we brighten each other’s days, and they (residents) really enjoy spending quality time with us.”
Rabbi Dov Drizin, the executive director of Valley Chabad, thanked Rabbi Yosef and the community for their continued support.
Valley Chabad’s Teen Leadership Initiative is open to all Jewish teens in the Pascack Valley and Saddle River communities. Regardless of affiliation and level of observance, everybody is welcome. For more information visit valleychabad.org.