CTeen Holds “Leadership Day”

Nothing can stop the power of youth—even heavy snows and sleet. The first ever CTeen Regional Leadership Day took place in Crown Heights on a blustery winter day, welcoming 25 teen leaders from the Tri-State area for a motivational and uplifting day.

The conference, which featured local talent figures such as Mordechai Lightstone and Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum, offered teens the chance to bond with fellow leaders while learning, exchanging, and developing new skill sets to better serve their chapters and communities.

“Leadership Day brought me together with people I didn’t know lived so close to me,” shared Lily Laredo, Bedford, NY. “It taught me what my responsibilities are as a leader and how I have the ability to make a change and how it all starts in my CTeen chapter.”

Teen participants traveled from as far as Bucks County, PA, Suffern, NY and Stamford, CT. In addition to sitting in on workshops, the teens also ran their own information sessions on topics such as navigating CTeen’s online shluchim lounge, practical program planning, and swapping event ideas.

“I can without a doubt say I have the best job,” shared Risa Mond, Director of the International Leadership Program. “I get to see first-hand these teen leaders’ dedication and passion for CTeen’s success. It’s true nachas.”

Truly sticking to the slogan “For Teens, By Teens”, the inaugural Regional Leadership Board— comprised of six leaders from the Tri-State area— played a huge role in this Leadership Day. From recruitment, to scheduling, and even workshop planning— hours of hard work and effort were put in by these dedicated teens.

In a letter dated 20 Iyar 5720, the Rebbe put special attention on Jewish teens, even adding that in general youth responds more readily to youth. “They have special qualities of untapped reserves of energy and enthusiasm.”

Today, the Rebbe’s words continue to ring true, as CTeen continues to climb the ladder of international and global change at the hands of its teen leaders. The success of this Leadership Day is just one small testament to the true power of youth.

“CTeen’s growth and success is due in great thanks to the CTeen leaders,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of CTeen. “We’ve seen the powerful impact and growth both locally and regionally because of these teens. They really do embody CTeen’s slogan ‘Power of Youth’.”

CTeen Headquarters would like to thank Rabbi & Mrs. Ari Sperlin, Malka Phillips, Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum, Mordechai Lightstone, Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum, Rabbi Nachman Rivkin, and Goldie Wolowick for their part in making this Leadership Day the success it was.

A special thank you to Adam and Jodi Weinstein for making CTeen Regionals possible.