Nearly 100 Jewish teens from Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama gathered in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for the annual CTeen Central America Regional Shabbaton. The historic port city became the backdrop for a weekend that blended friendship, adventure, and Jewish pride.
In smaller communities across Latin America, Jewish teenagers often find themselves isolated; the only Jews in their classrooms or even in their neighborhoods. Some had never before experienced what it feels like to be part of a large, spirited group of Jewish peers their own age.
That all changed the moment they stepped off the plane for the regional CTeen Shabbaton in Guayaquil, Ecuador. For one unforgettable weekend, Jewish teens from across Latin America came together for a lively Shabbos of friendship, inspiration, and growth. Surrounded by dozens of proud Jewish peers, what had once been rare became reality: an atmosphere filled with Jewish pride and unity.
“These teens return home knowing they are not alone,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “They now feel part of something much larger than themselves, and they will carry that strength back to their communities.”
Over the weekend, they discovered a sense of belonging that will continue to shape them long after they return home.
“Being with so many Jews reminds me that we are very powerful and I should be more proud of my religion,” shared Eitan from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The three-day program mixed high-energy outings with meaningful and enjoyable Jewish experiences. Thursday night began with bowling and challah baking before participants settled into a five-star hotel. On Friday, the teens enjoyed a forest ziplining experience and a city tour, moments that quickly fostered camaraderie.
That evening, teens gathered to light Shabbos Candles and welcome Shabbos, each one encouraged to unplug and focus on the people around them, and get involved in the various workshops and farbrengens throughout Shabbos.
“Shabbos was truly uplifting,” said Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Ecuador, Rabbi Mendy Fried, who hosted the teens, “seeing them davening together with so much Kavanah and Chayus was remarkable to witness.”
“Praying has always been a part of my life, but praying in a synagogue surrounded by fellow Jewish teens made me discover how much I enjoyed it,” said one participant. During Torah reading, teens followed closely, answering questions on the parsha between aliyos, while local community members looked on, inspired by the passion of the young participants.
Shabbos afternoon featured a live debate session that drew cheers and laughter. Teens split into groups and debated real-life issues, such as parents monitoring social media and the complexities of hostage negotiations. Each topic was explored through the lens of Torah values, demonstrating how Jewish teachings could guide them in addressing modern dilemmas.
Shabbos closed with Havdalah at Jerusalem Park in the city center, using the iconic CTeen Havdalah candle. Following the ceremony, the teens sang a heartfelt “Ani Maamin,” then broke into joyful singing and dancing. The sounds and spirit echoing with Jewish pride and unity, marking the end of a Shabbos many will long remember.
The Shabbaton concluded with a Sunday banquet, where teens pledged mitzvah resolutions ahead of the new year, ranging from keeping Shabbos to organizing Jewish teen meetups in their hometowns. For those from the smallest and most isolated communities, the commitments were especially moving. They left Guayaquil not only with new friends but with a renewed sense of strength and belonging, determined to bring the light of Jewish pride back to their corners of the continent.
The program was carefully developed by the CTeen team led by Rabbi Chai Kohan, director of Merkos 302’s Spanish Desk, as well as the CTeen Regional Shabbaton team, ensuring every detail fostered both fun and inspiration.
“The Rebbe taught that reaching a young person shapes generations,” said Rabbi Kohan. “This Shabbaton brought that vision to life, as Jewish teens across Latin America experienced the joy of mitzvos, the energy of community, and the pride of belonging. They left inspired, carrying an excitement for their Yiddishkeit that endures.”
The Shabbaton was made possible by:
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302
Rabbi Chai Kohan, Merkos 302 Spanish Desk
Rabbi Shimon and Leah Rivkin, Directors of CTeen International at Merkos 302
Rabbi Mendy Fried and Mrs Menucha Rochel Fried, Hosts – Chabad of Guayaquil, Ecuador
Rabbi Samy Poliwoda, CTeen Panama City, Panama
Rabbi Yehuda Slonim, CTeen Cali, Colombia
Mrs Rachel Druk, CTeen Cancun, Mexico
Rabbi Shaya Liberow, CTeen Barranquilla, Colombia
Raizy Leitner, Chumy Heber, and Esti Alperowitz, CTeen Regional Team at Merkos 302
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