WOODCLIFF LAKE—Woodcliff Lake police officers took the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative up on its invitation to attend a recent CTeen event.
On Feb. 10, the officers brought coffee and donuts and shared a bit of their stories, including what drew them to law enforcement, the unique challenges of the job, and their dedication to the department’s mission.
Part of the fun involved a series of competitions, including arm wrestling, cup stacking, and “axe” throwing. The teens also decorated mugs for the officers and later wrote them letters of appreciation.
Rabbi Yosef and Estie Oresntein, directors of the CTeen group at the Valley Chabad Center for Jewish Life on Overlook Drive, told Pascack Press on Feb. 15 that the event was to bring the students and department closer and to give the kids a chance to show their appreciation for all the officers do in the community.
(The center and the police department get on quite well. Some readers might recall Orenstein delivered the invocation as John Burns was sworn in as police chief in 2019.)
Officer Simon Sherfer, a 12-year veteran of the department, said he was greatly impressed with the teens at their visit.
“This is such a great opportunity for us to interact and engage with the teens in a fun and relaxed environment,” he said. “To get this kind of teen group together here, when they could be anywhere else, is impressive and so important for our community.”
The WCLPD also is looking to connect in the community, dovetailing with CTeen on areas of outreach. The department notes online that it’s “committed to best serving our community, especially those with special needs.” For more on its community policing programs, visit wclpd.com.
CTeen, part of the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative, engages Jewish teens with fun interactive events and programs throughout the year. CTeen is the fastest growing Jewish youth group, with chapters in more than 600 locations worldwide.
For more than 15 years the Teen Leadership Initiative has brought teens together for social events and community service and educational activities.
Its programs:
- CTeen: “Making a difference while having fun”;
- Linking Hearts: “Teens and seniors connect”;
- Eternal Flame Fellowship: “Engaging Jewish teens to become ambassadors of good and light in our community and the world”;
- Friendship Circle: “Friendship for children with special needs”; see “Friendship Circle participants give back,” Pascack Press, Feb. 14, 2022; and
- Bar/bat Mitzvah: “Marking the milestone as a beginning.”
More than 160 teens participate throughout the year, Orenstein says.
Eternal Flame stays bright
Of special note, Eternal Flame is relaunching its teen fellowship program — its seventh — on Sunday, March 6.
The program will welcome some 20 public high school teens to hear Holocaust survivors’ stories and learn about antisemitisim and anti-Israel activity on college campuses around the country. The fellowship culminates in a weekend trip to Washington, D.C.
According to Orenstein, the teen fellowship focuses on three important elements:
- The Holocaust. “Beyond listening to stories from the few remaining survivors, the teens focus on taking the next steps to make our world a better and more purposeful place.”
- Antisemitisitm. “Recognizing its long history and the ugly recent resurgence. See how we can respond with pride and purpose.”
- Israel. “Prepares teens embarking for college campuses to be ready with facts and determination on the importance and centrality of Israel to our people.”
Participants will attend sessions on these topics leading up to Washington, D.C. Experience Weekend, where they’ll visit the United Stated Holocaust Memorial Museum (ushmm.org) “and hear from members of power in the government addressing anti-semitisim and support of Israel.”
On their return they’ll “gather and share the lessons they have learned and commitments they have made in these areas with the community.”
Rabbi Orenstein says, “The goal is to engage young adults to be informed, proud and active members of the Jewish community.”
The program is a project of Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative in Woodcliff Lake. Thanks to generous support from donors, the fellowship is $250. It’s open to all Jewish high school teens regardless of affiliation and background.
For more information about Eternal Flame or to have your teen apply for this year’s program, visit eternalflame.org/fellowship, call (201) 476-0157, or write rabbiyosef@valleychabad.org.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Feb. 6, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah class of Valley Chabad Hebrew School took a trip to Evergreen Kosher Market in Rockland County to learn about kosher food in a hands-on way.
The students got to see the kosher butcher, bakery, sushi and take-out deli departments up close. The class learned the details of what it takes to ensure food is prepared kosher.
The day ended with a scavenger hunt of kosher foods in the store and enjoyed fresh kosher sushi.
The class was led by their teacher, Rabbi Orenstein.
For more information, call (201) 476-0157 or write office@valleychabad.org.