A blizzard may have hampered travel and productivity on the East Coast of the United States last weekend, but it couldn’t prevent nine Manchester boys joining the annual CTeen International Shabbaton (convention) in New York City. They joined 700 teens and leaders, with over 100 delegations representing cities in the US, Canada, France, Austria, and Nigeria for four days of friendship, Jewish pride and inspiration.
Following a warm welcome at Friday morning’s breakfast, the teens toured the Big Apple, visiting many of the city’s landmarks including, the Statue of Liberty, 9-11 Memorial, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building and more. Later, back in Brooklyn, the teens basked in the spirit of Jewish unity, enjoying an uplifting Shabbat candle-lighting experience, Shabbat meal, joyous services, interactive workshops, and exciting activities.
Select teens were chosen to address the convention, including Manchester’s own Jakob Marsh who held the crowd spellbound as he eloquently spoke of the value of Jewish unity and pride the Shabbaton was instilling. Tamir Goodman, a Jewish basketball player once dubbed by sports magazine, Sports Illustrated, as the “Jewish Jordan,” related his personal journey in observing Judaism despite obstacles he experienced.
Following an inspirational Shabbat, the teens towered over the entire legendary "Red Steps" of Time Square and were uplifted by a musical Havdallah ceremony, climaxing the tremendous Jewish pride they experienced over Shabbat. Said Ethan Gilmore, “We learnt not to be embarrassed of our Judaism. the beautiful Havdallah at the Red Stairs truly enforced that.”
Later that night, the teens celebrated on a festive cruise boat, rocking the Hudson River with vibrant dancing and entertainment. A Jewish heritage tour on Sunday offered the teens a taste of Jewish culture at Judaica stores and Kosher eateries in the area.
“The Shabbaton helped augment what we are trying to accomplish locally,” said Rabbi Moshe Cohen, leader of CTeen’s Manchester chapter. “Our aim is to connect Jewish teens, and give them an avenue to openly explore their heritage in a fun, meaningful environment.”
At the leadership banquet on Sunday evening, MC Gary Friedlander, president to CTeen’s chapter in Alpharetta, Georgia, expressed what many of the teens were feeling: “Let me know that I’m not the only one here that wishes we’d be still snowed in so we can continue on here at the Shabbaton!”
“It was an incredible experience,” said Zack Radnan. “We learned about so many more aspects of the Jewish community, got to meet new people and I look forward to keeping in touch with them as the year goes on.”
“We are so grateful to CTeen for giving our son Warren such a wonderful opportunity,” Said Susan Horwich. “It benefited him both socially and Jewishly.” Saul Mendelson sent Rabbi Cohen a message saying he loved meeting new friends and that to improve the Shabbaton in the future CTeen should “make it much longer, like a month!”