Small Border Town Jew
I was the only CTeener from my small border town on the way to the CTeen International Shabbaton. I was nervous and didn’t know anyone. But CTeen welcomed me like family—and that weekend in 2013 changed my life.
15 July 2026 news archive
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Jewish Pride Starts With You
A friend once asked me, “What does being Jewish mean to you?” I thought for a moment. To me, being Jewish is the most extraordinary journey—full of history, purpose, and unity.
From Nigeria to Crown Heights
I’m French and Nigerian, and I grew up in northern France. I didn’t even know I was Jewish—it felt like a choice. That changed when we moved to Nigeria and met Rabbi Israel Uzan. At 14, I learned I was Jewish through my mother.
But this Time We Sang
Sugar Land, Texas doesn’t have many Jews. I’m one of just seven Jewish students at my school, most of whom aren’t religious. I was raised Reform, but after my Bat Mitzvah, I lost touch with Jewish life—until last year. My dad saw an ad on Facebook for a local CTeenU course.
Yes, I Got College Credit—But I Gained So Much More
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once said, “For Jews, education is not just what we know. It’s who we are.” That quote perfectly reflects my experience with the CTeenU course.
Never Alone
I was in my sophomore year of high school, just a typical student living a normal life. I was studying hard, volunteering with different organizations, and pursuing my passion for photography. Everything felt steady—until it didn’t. It started with terrible headaches.
Three Strangers Walked Two Miles With Me
What’s the first word you think of when you hear “Judaism”? For me, it’s community. I grew up religious in a small beach town. Our weekly temple was full of friends and neighbors—until my parents divorced. We lost our friends, stopped keeping kosher, stopped keeping Shabbat.
When You Feel Stuck, Take Action
In 12 years of school, I’ve gone to 9 different ones. Moving so often made it hard to express myself. I settled for doing the bare minimum—but deep down, I knew I was betraying myself. My soul was yearning. So I took action. I reconnected with my rabbi.
I Used to Be Embarrassed to Be Jewish
I remember feeling different. On weekends, my friends hung out—but I had Hebrew School. I felt forced and frustrated. Then my parents saw an ad for Heritage Quest on Instagram. “Do you want to go?” they asked. I wasn’t so sure, but I said yes. At first, I was shy.
I Didn’t Think Judaism Was for Me
Growing up in a mostly Christian public school made it hard to feel connected to Judaism. Until this past year, I didn’t feel much of a connection at all. But this summer, I decided to join the CTeen board—and to make Judaism a priority in my life.
What If I Had Stayed Silent?
My parents were desperate for a miracle. For three years, they had tried to have a child, but nothing worked. Urged by their rabbi, they booked the expensive flight from Paris to New York to visit the Rebbe for a blessing.
Freshman Me Wouldn’t Believe Who I Am Today
Three years ago, I was a shy freshman who didn’t show much Jewish pride. That changed with CTeen. I started attending local events, then went to the Shabbaton, and most recently joined the Heritage Quest. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The Lie I Told to Survive
For most teens, fitting in and finding your crowd feels like a matter of survival in middle school. Just as I was about to start fifth grade, my mom was incarcerated.
I Made the Game-Winning Shot… Wearing a Kippah
I grew up celebrating both winter holidays. I never gave it much thought—if anything, the double presents felt like a bonus. My dad’s family is Hispanic and Catholic. But as I got older, it was my Jewish grandmother who made sure we stayed connected to Jewish traditions.
How I Started My Chabad on Campus
I never imagined that one decision would change my life—but that’s exactly what happened when I finally agreed to attend the CTeen International Shabbaton. My family began going to Chabad about eight years ago.
