CTeenConnection

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you will never be bored during the Shabbaton! This year, I will be attending my fourth Shabbaton and I could not be more excited. Over the years, I have experienced the most amazing things and have created some of the best memories of my life at the Shabbaton. I’ll never forget my first year—going on the double decker tour bus of Manhattan, where I experience the city in a whole new way. I remember the amazing energy and all the great discussions I had during the Shabbat dinners. I remember the incredible energy of havdallah in Times Square that just keeps getting better and better each year. I remember the wisdom imparted onto me by each speaker I heard.

Despite all of this however, I found that my best memories of the Shabbaton occur beneath the surface of these fantastic events. I met so many amazing people over the years and heard so many amazing stories every step of the way. In fact, one of my most memorable experiences occurred on the subway on the way to Times Square. My chapter, along with ones from North Carolina, Florida, and even Russia were belting out the CTeen anthem and other Jewish songs at the top of our lungs, having the time of our lives. The energy of the moment was so incredible. Even a Jewish bystander on the subway felt the CTeen spirit and decided to join in! I know I will remember this for my entire life. Throughout all of the CTeen International Shabbatons I have attended over the years, I have collected memories of some of the best moments of my life, some of which I would have never expected. And above all, I will always remember the fantastic people I have met through the years who have taken part in these amazing experiences with me. I can’t wait to do it all again!