Editor’s Note: Among the many notable things about Brooklyn is that it is the world headquarters for the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish sect, which has largely taken on the responsibility of maintaining world Jewry.
It’s importance in Jewish culture is immeasurable in so far as the religion does not believe in proselytization (converting) others, and the culture often shies away from even reaching out to existing Jews, who for whatever reason may have wandered from their Jewish religious roots. Lubavitchers have established ‘Chabad’ houses around the country and the world, in which Jewish travelers – poor and rich – can find a safe haven to worship their Judaism as they see fit as well as eat, rest up and celebrate various Jewish holidays. The following story is about a recent Chabad gathering this weekend in Brooklyn and New York City.
CTeen concluded their four-day conference in New York, which drew 2,300 delegates from 30 countries.
The packed weekend included an authentic Shabbat experience in the heart of Hasidic Brooklyn, Havdalah and Eli Marcus concert in Times Square, and the CTeen Choice Awards which took place at Brooklyn’s Pier 12.
Additionally, teens were treated to a surprise concert by Israeli superstar Gad Elbaz.
“We look at you as the future leaders of the Jewish people, because you are the ones that are going to spread the values of what is good and right,” said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice-Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
“This was my first Shabbaton and I had no idea what to expect,” shared Samantha Akiva from Staten Island. “I walked away from this Shabbaton understanding the genuine bond that each and every single Jew hold to their roots,, no matter where they’re from or their level of observance. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have had this experience, and I can’t wait for next year!”
