Judaism 101
Understanding the Touchy Topic of Shomer Negiah
7 months ago Shayna Solkowitz 0
“I’m sorry but I can’t shake your hand for religious reasons.” This is what a lot of people who are Shomer Negiah say. Shomer Negiah translates to ‘Observant of touch.’ My best friend is intrigued by this concept and wanted to learn more, so I told her I’d study up on it and get back Read More
Growing Jewish
7 months ago Emilio Chayo 0
Being Jewish is no easy task. Whether we are in Tel Aviv, Brooklyn, or Cancun—every single one of us faces daily struggles. In my opinion, though, we—teenagers—are the ones who have the hardest task. As teens, we find ourselves involved in a fight mightier than any in history but a battle that happens so frequently Read More
Ekev, a Dvar Torah
8 months ago Quincy Barret 0
Hi! My name is Quincy, I live in Manchester and this year, I am venturing into the world of CTeen Connection. My articles will mainly be short divrai torah (often with a question and answer format), attempting to reveal some of the hidden lessons from the weekly parashah (Torah portion). In this week’s parashah Ekev, Read More
Are Tattoos Taboo? (The Torah’s Take)
10 months ago Hannah Butcher 0
In December, after I turned 18, the first thing my friends asked me was if I was going to get a tattoo. Something inside me held me back from jumping head-first into a tattoo parlor, however. At the International Shabbaton I realized why, exactly, I hesitated to get inked. Like me, many Jewish teens stand Read More
Lashon Hara
10 months ago hkaplun 0
We’ve all heard the phrase “easier said than done.” Ya, know “I’m going to start waking up earlier” “I’m going to exercise more” “I’m only going to watch one more episode of this show.” There are mitzvahs that are easier said than done too, one being not speaking, or hearing, Lashon Hara. Lashon hara is Read More
Know an Aleph, Teach an Aleph
11 months ago hkaplun 0
As a CTeener, I’m sure that you’ve heard countless of stories about the Rebbe and his teachings; a Shabbat D’var Torah is barely complete without mentioning the Rebbe. Personally, I love hearing stories about people going to the Rebbe for guidance or a blessing; his answers, and his ability to know exactly what to say, Read More
Let’s Celebrate Jewish Pride
11 months ago Leighest 0
By Sara Serfaty//M. Viejo, CA When it comes to Israel, from the war back in 2014—Operation Protective Edge—to the riots in Gaza now, the presence of media hypnotizes readers into believing lies. Today, I did a presentation at my CTeen chapter, CTeen Mission Viejo, about why it is important to support Israel. During the beginning Read More
10 Shabbaton Lessons to Remember for Life
1 year ago Hannah Butcher 0
Last week, I participated in my final International Shabbaton as a CTeener. My favorite part of each Shabbaton has always been the Shabbat lectures, which include intimate, enriching, and spiritual discussions with rabbis and rebbetzins from across the nation. This year, in order to ensure that I made the most of my last Shabbaton, I Read More