Nearly 2,000 teens remained in Crown Heights on Monday after a powerful snowstorm grounded flights and left participants of this weekend’s CTeen International Shabbaton unable to travel home.
CTeen leadership, led by Chairman Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky and Director Rabbi Shimon Rivkin, jumped into action to organize a full day of structured programming, inspiration and fun, thanks to the generosity of multiple mosdos in the neighborhood.
The day began in the morning with a large brunch for boys and girls at the Bais Rivkah building on Lefferts Avenue, where teens regrouped after long hours in airports and unexpected overnight arrangements.
In the afternoon, Lefferts Park became the scene of a lively “Best CTeen Merch Snowman” competition, as teens bundled up and built creative snowmen decked out in CTeen gear. The winning teams earned free entries to next year’s Shabbaton.
Oholei Torah opened its facilities for boys, including the basketball court for a spirited OT vs. CTeen game and the swimming pool, which operated in structured slots to accommodate large numbers safely.
The Jewish Children’s Museum also welcomed organized groups after special permission was secured.
Girls gathered at Bais Rivkah for tefilah followed by crafts, games and lounge time, while boys learned a maamar in 770 as part of the afternoon’s spiritual programming.
Later in the day, boys and girls came together for a talk with Liraz Zeira, an IDF soldier who lost both his legs in Syria and inspires many with his faith in G-d, and a rousing concert with Israeli singer Noam Buskila, bringing energy and joy to the hundreds still in New York.
Supper was served for all the teens at Bais Rivkah, ensuring everyone was cared for as travel plans continued to shift.
In the evening, separate programming continued with a silent disco and additional activities for the girls, while the boys gathered in 770 for a sicha followed by spirited dancing.
With coordinated efforts from local mosdos, volunteers and organizers, the unexpected extension of the Shabbaton became yet another highlight. Instead of sitting idle in airports, nearly 2,000 teens experienced a powerful display of achdus and Crown Heights hospitality.
