Amidst a backdrop of increasing antisemitism, CTeen’s “Transform Chanukah” initiative empowered 45 Jewish high school leaders to launch meaningful Chanukah initiatives to bring the light of the Menorah to their peers.
As Chanukah approached this year, CTeen Leader Sophie Gozlan, a 10th-grade student at Rockhill High where she is one of three Jewish students, took the helm of a “Transform Chanukah” initiative. Her project encouraged Jewish teens in Collin County to light the menorah, share photos, and connect with one another, reaffirming their Jewish identity in challenging times.
Under the guidance of Rabbi Yaakov Wilansky, CTeen Leadership Director at Merkos 302, forty Jewish teens from across the globe prepared to present their unique visions to a panel of Chabad’s visionary donors led by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International.
“We were inspired by the teens who overwhelming said they wanted to create a sense of community for their peers during these challenging times and double down on their Jewish identity and practice,” said Rabbi Kotlarsky. “Many of the initiatives the Rebbe was most passionate about came from the creative ideas of Chassidim. Our goal was to empower the teens to do the same, coming up with innovative solutions to bring Mivtzah Chanukah to the next level.
Sophie’s compelling pitch secured funding from CTeen’s donors, enabling her to bring her vision to life. “Transform Chanukah helped me realize we don’t have to hide who we are. Seeing friends light the menorah—even those who had never done it before—proved that when we come together, we can rise above hate,” Sophie shared. Gozlan’s initiative made waves throughout her community even garnering the attention of local media.
“Seeing a young leader like Sophie bring fellow teens together lighting the Menorah is truly inspiring,” said Mrs. Nechama Newman, co-director of CTeen Collin County. “Her project reminds these kids that they’re not alone—especially important when some feel isolated or face prejudice at school or online.”
Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, the teen leaders organized nightly menorah lightings and other creative initiatives, often hosted in the homes of participating teens. These gatherings provided a safe space for students, many of whom had never lit a menorah before, to celebrate their heritage together.
Sophie was one of forty-five teens who utilized CTeen’s innovative model of Jewish youth leadership to create meaningful Chanukah programming for their communities. Alongside her, other standout leaders include Ori Koblentz of CTeen New Haven, Anna Gratz and Karli Levy of CTeen Sugar Land, TX, Ben Stone of CTeen Brooklyn Heights, Adi Laufer of CTeen Folsom, Adee Zahavi and Devi Gebell of CTeen Rochester, and Eden Greenberg of CTeen South Broward. Each of these leaders pitched their ideas to the “Sharks” and developed unique programs to celebrate Chanukah and strengthen the sense of community amongst local Jewish teens.
“In times like these, we can’t rely only on rabbis and community leaders to stand against darkness; each of us has a responsibility to kindle light,” said Rabbi Menachem Block of Chabad of Plano–Collin County. “Teens like Sophie are on the front lines, inspiring her friends to proudly light the menorah and stand tall. Her courage reminds us we all share the duty to brighten our world—one candle, one home, one heart at a time.”
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