PSA from CTeen International:
Record numbers of teens are already arriving in Crown Heights for the 18th annual CTeen Shabbaton. More than 4,500 teens, together with their shluchim, representing over 60 countries, will be joining this year’s Shabbaton for what promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
From Thursday through Sunday, participants will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime program, including visits to 770 and the Ohel, experiencing the renowned hospitality of Crown Heights, and witnessing firsthand the vibrancy of authentic Jewish life.
“This Shabbaton would not be possible without the incredible warmth and generosity of the Crown Heights community,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International at Merkos 302. “We are deeply grateful to them; their hospitality is integral to the Shabbaton itself, and to the lasting impact it has on these teens.”
To help ensure smooth navigation, community members are encouraged to review the times and locations expected to experience the heaviest congestion, both in Crown Heights and at the Ohel, and to plan accordingly. The community’s cooperation and support play a vital role in making this Shabbaton a powerful and meaningful experience for thousands of Jewish teens.
Crown Heights:
Bus loading areas:
Teens will be boarding buses in the following locations. Locals are advised to expect congestion at these times and to consider using alternate routes
Thursday evening: President (Kingston/Albany), and Empire (Kingston/Albany),
Friday afternoon: Crown St. (Albany/Troy), Empire Blvd. (Kingston / Albany)
Sunday morning: President St. (Kingston / Albany) and Eastern Pkwy (Kingston / Albany)
770:
Friday morning, February 20:
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM: Hundreds of CTeens will visit 770 to put on tefillin. Minyanim will continue as scheduled; please expect large crowds and elevated noise levels.
Friday night:
The entire Shul will be reserved for teens on Friday night, including the downstairs of 770 and the Kingston Avenue women’s section. The upstairs floor of 770 and the Rebbe’s room will be closed to the public from 4:15 PM until 6:00 PM.
Ohel:
If you plan to visit during the following peak hours, expect an hour-long moving line, with no pausing inside the Ohel.
Sunday, Feb 22
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Large groups
2:45 PM – 6:30 PM: Very Large groups
There will be other groups visiting the Ohel on Thursday night, Friday morning, and Sunday night. Although attendance will be high, these visits are not expected to cause major delays.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we welcome these teens for an unforgettable weekend of inspiration!
It is truly beautiful to see such a large crowd of teens coming together in our community. The energy, the inspiration, and the investment in youth who travel here are something to be proud of, and I am sure the shluchim and Rabbanim feel a great sense of accomplishment seeing this success. At the same time, we must also remember the children who live here year-round. Our local families would greatly benefit from more resources directed toward them as well. Our children need safe spaces to grow and thrive — a proper gym, stronger educational support, and programs that bring… Read more »