WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—Valley Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted its annual Teen Awards Night on May 4, celebrating more than 100 teens for their dedication and contributions to the CTeen program.
Awards were presented across CTeen initiatives including Linking Hearts, Friendship Circle and CTeenU. Families gathered to celebrate the teens’ accomplishments, with food, conversation, raffles, prizes and remarks from several teen participants.
Joely Ross, a senior at Pascack Valley High School, reflected on four years of high school volunteering with CTeen and said the experience helped reconnect her with her Jewish identity.
“Even the simple Shabbat dinners became some of my most cherished nights, helping me feel grounded in my Jewish roots, and connected to my history,” Ross said. “In CTeen, I had found a beautiful community of people who not only shared a religion, but a common love for community involvement and impact.”
Ross thanked Rabbi Yosef and Estie Orenstein and said the lessons she learned through volunteering will stay with her in college and beyond.
Ellie Bensman, a seventh-grade volunteer, spoke about her experience with Linking Hearts, a program in which teens visit a Jewish nursing home to make crafts and spend time with seniors.
“I am extremely grateful to be able to interact, get good advice, and have fun with the grandparents that make me feel happy and brave,” Bensman said. “I also learn different life stories, which help me understand traditions and different cultures.”
Organizers said the evening highlighted the leadership, growth and positive impact teens have made through CTeen, capping another season for the Valley Chabad chapter.
— Via Cassidy McPartland
