The vibrant Crown Heights community is set to welcome 4,000 teenagers this week as the annual CTeen Shabbaton unfolds. While their daily lives may be as diverse as the colors of their beanies, this weekend, they will unite to connect, inspire, and strengthen their Jewish pride together.
The action-packed weekend features an array of activities across Crown Heights and New York City, including dynamic workshops led by experts as well as some of their fellow teens, designed to help teens navigate the challenges they face as Jewish youth in today’s world; a high-energy Jewish pride concert in Manhattan, meaningful visits to the Rebbe’s Ohel and 770, and the opportunity for teens to share their stories of resilience and leadership with peers from around the world.
Among those stepping up to inspire their fellow teens is Eli Tsives, an alumn of CTeen Shanghai, who faced hostility on campus at UCLA last April simply for being visibly Jewish. When confronted by a line of masked protesters blocking his way, Eli stood firm. “I will never hide my Jewish star, I will never hide my face,” he asserts. “Because when we stand up for what we believe in—when we refuse to let our light be dimmed—our light becomes unstoppable.”
Teen empowerment has always been at the heart of CTeen’s mission. As the largest network of Jewish teens worldwide, CTeen is inspired by the Rebbe’s teaching that young people possess untapped energy, resilience, and a strong willingness to face challenges head-on. In a world where young Jews face challenges to their faith online, at school, and in their communities, CTeen aims to provide them with a home, a global family, and the confidence to stand strong as the Jewish leaders of today.
“The Rebbe emphasized that the youth have incredible energy, are unfazed, and uniquely positioned to lead,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, chairman of CTeen International at Merkos 302. “Their positive example can create a ripple effect, strengthening Jewish pride among their friends and families. Today, when it’s needed most, we refuse to underestimate them—they’re capable of more than we can imagine.”
Another speaker, Ellie Zeiler, a CTeen San Diego alumna, skyrocketed to fame on TikTok at 16, amassing millions of followers overnight. But as she got caught up in the influencer world, she felt disconnected from her values. Everything changed when she reconnected with CTeen and visited Israel at 17. “I completely fell in love with the land, the people, and the energy,” she says. After October 7th, she knew she couldn’t stay silent. “I started posting ‘I Stand With Israel’ on TikTok, knowing it might divide my followers—but I didn’t care. For the first time, I felt like my platform had a purpose.”
As Ellie deepened her connection to Judaism, she embraced mitzvot, keeping kosher and Shabbat. “Turning off my phone for 25 hours felt impossible at first, but now it’s my favorite part of the week. It’s not just about disconnecting from the world; it’s about reconnecting with myself, my family, and Hashem.” Looking back, she sees how CTeen helped ignite that spark. “I remember being in middle school at Chabad of San Diego, hearing lessons that now feel so familiar.” Now, she’s using her platform to “tune out the noise and focus on what’s meaningful.”
Oliver Rak of CTeen Budapest, another participant, will highlight the importance of Torah learning, explaining how it is not just about acquiring knowledge but about finding purpose. “The Torah isn’t just an ancient scroll—it’s alive,” he says. “It shapes how we see the world and how the world sees us. It gives us the confidence to stand up for what matters.” Additionally, three teens from California will share how, in the face of devastating wildfires that destroyed their homes, they risked everything to save their tefillin.
For Rosemary Acker of CTeen Ashville, action is key. When a hurricane hit her town, she and her friends leaped into action. She will speak about how small acts of kindness—whether visiting a hospital, helping a friend, or assisting in hurricane relief—are the most powerful ways to combat negativity. “Real change doesn’t start with big speeches,” she says. “It’s the little things we do every day that leave the biggest mark.”
For Eli, Ellie, Oliver, Rosemary, and thousands of teens attending, the CTeen Shabbaton is a reminder that they are part of something greater—a people with an unbreakable spirit. Their stories of courage and commitment serve as a powerful call to action for their peers: to return home as proud and proactive advocates for Jewish values.
Watch The Closing Ceremony Live
Sunday | March 2 | 2 Adar | 12:15 pm ET
Comentarios