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.
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 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.
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.
Dozens of Rabbis gathered in the resort town of Divonne-les-Bains for a specialized professional seminar organized by the RCE
From Potemkin villages to entire cities staged for visiting dignitaries, the use of carefully curated façades is nothing new. Countries such as North Korea have long invested in such displays, including its so-called “Peace Village,” with largely unoccupied buildings, while…
