WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—More than 180 teens, parents, and community members gathered Monday, May 19 for Valley Chabad’s Annual Teen Soirée, a heartfelt celebration of Jewish teen leadership across the Pascack and Saddle River communities.
The event honored participants in the Teen Leadership Initiative, a signature program led for more than 18 years by Rabbi Yosef and Estie Orenstein. The initiative engages more than 200 Jewish teens each year in Jewish learning, community service, and volunteer opportunities—all rooted in tradition, connection, and purpose.
The evening began with reflections from Eitan Rosenberg, a Pascack Hills sophomore and leader of his school’s Jewish Club. “Every event—whether it’s Jewish food, hearing from survivors, or remembering October 7—has helped us feel more connected to our traditions and to each other,” he said.
Student leaders from Jewish clubs at Pascack Hills, Pascack Valley, Park Ridge, Westwood, and Northern Highlands high schools were honored with a special gift in appreciation of their dedication. All participants in the Teen Leadership Initiative were also recognized with certificates and gifts, celebrating their volunteerism and impact.
Several honorees shared moving personal reflections:
- Jordan Lewis, a Pascack Hills senior and CTeen leader, spoke about how CTeen and Friendship Circle helped shape her Jewish identity—especially during the isolation of COVID.
- Jacob Berin, a Northern Highlands junior, and Arya Chaturbedi shared how their Friendship Circle bond, built through weekly basketball meetups, became a source of joy and meaning.
- Emma Twersky of Woodcliff Middle School, described how her initial nervousness in the Linking Hearts program turned into lasting friendships with local seniors.
- Gail Gluck, a graduating senior from Pascack Hills heading to the University of West Virginia, reflected on how relocating to Montvale challenged her Jewish identity—and how CTeen U and Friendship Circle gave her strength and belonging.
- Jake Zborovsky, a sophomore at Northern Highlands, spoke about CTeen U’s Business Ethics course: “The Torah teaches that success is a blessing—when it’s used to lift others up.”
Throughout the evening, the teens took the stage with sincerity and confidence, supported by proud families and community members who help make these programs possible.
This year, Valley Chabad celebrates 25 years of service to the Northern New Jersey Jewish community. Under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef and Estie Orenstein, the organization continues to inspire the next generation with passion, purpose, and a deep love of Judaism.
The Teen Leadership Initiative is open to all local Jewish teens, with a full calendar of events launching again this fall. For more information or to sign up, visit valleychabad.org/teensignup.