CTeenConnection

Power of YOUth, something CTeen instills in all of us Jewish teens. But what really does this mean, “Power of YOUth”? To Meriam-Webster, power means “ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.” This definition is exactly what we need to realize, us youth have this special “power” that can help change the world.

Every one of us has the potential inside to do great things, as the chosen people we are obligated to make this world holier. With just one phrase, one bracha, we can make a simple object elevated into a higher place. That’s a special quality that most people can’t do, and we must take advantage of it.

“A true leader doesn’t produce followers. A true leader creates more leaders.”- This is something our shluchim really take to heart. They delegate to us jobs that need to be done, and leave it up to us for planning and constructing. Yet, we aren’t left alone, we have a safety net there to catch us incase we can’t figure something out. We have been infused with the necessary tools so that when the time comes, we can drive the Jewish population to great success.

A few months ago, I helped plan the first ever CTeen Texas shababton. As the days neared to the big weekend, my time was filled with constantly corresponding with the rabbis, rebbetzins, and CTeen headquarters. I spent hours on my computer trying to recruit new people to attend, or working on programs that everyone would enjoy. After the shabbaton had ended I was able to take a step back, re-evaluate, and I was in awe. I was able to assist in creating a fun, exciting shabbaton filled with new friendships and inspiration. As just a teenager, I was given the power to inspire someone to keep shabbat, or wear a kippah, or to only date Jewish. Because of this weekend, I was truly shown the Power of Youth.

Us teens are the next generation and it’s time for us to step up and accomplish great heights. We have the power imbedded in our DNA from all the ancestors that came before us, starting with Avraham Aveinu, to Moshe Rabeinu, the power is now possessed in You. I hope everyone can dig deep and find that spark of power that each and every one of us has inside. Words mean very little, but actions make a big difference. I can’t wait to see the great things CTeens from all over the world accomplish, and can’t wait to see how they make this world a better place.