Chabad Teens Taking a Stand on Israel

Chabad of Mamaroneck offers college credits for high school students who learn Israel’s history, advocacy, and spiritual significance. 

Israel might be the size of New Jersey, but it hogs a disproportionate amount of media attention. As a teen scrolling through Instagram, it’s hard to ignore some of the anti-Israel sentiments.

With all the noise out there, teens need facts to fight the misinformation. “We want our Jewish teens to advocate confidently for our Jewish homeland,” says Rabbi Shimon Rivkin, director of Cteen U International. “But that doesn’t start with current events; it starts by going back thousands of years.”

Teens of Mamaroneck’s CTeen chapter will gather weekly for 14 lessons covering everything from the ethics of the IDF to the origins of Jewish claims to the land. At the end of the course, each participating teen receives 2 college credits. 

“I found myself always looking forward to my CTeen U classes,” said Mark, a teen from Larchmont who has taken 10 CTeen U classes. “It’s that rare time when I can sit with friends and discuss things that really matter to us as Jewish teens.”

Titled, “Israel and Me,” the new course launching in the fall semester is the product of CTeen U, a collaboration between Yeshiva University and the Chabad teen network, CTeen International. 

CTeen is the world’s fastest growing network of Jewish teens, with over 630 chapters in 37 countries on 6 continents.

The new collaboration is with Yeshiva University, the world’s premier Jewish institution for higher education, home to a network of undergraduate and graduate programs. The YU undergraduate programs offer a unique dual curriculum comprising Jewish studies and liberal arts, sciences, and business courses.

“Yeshiva University and CTeen have carefully curated courses that will appeal to Jewish high school students from any background,” says Rabbi Chaim Pinczower. “No previous Judaic knowledge is required.”

CTeen U’s relevant and engaging curriculum on the tenets of Judaism cultivates a strong sense of purpose and Jewish identity. The curriculum is designed to encourage teens to ask questions and apply Jewish thought to their everyday activities. The small group settings will make it possible for the instructor to get to know each student and for the students to bond with each other as they study.

“I know how busy teens are preparing for college—this is an opportunity for them to advance their resume and college career while studying the Torah’s timeless wisdom,” says Rabbi Pinczower.

Yeshiva University credits are accepted at many colleges around the country, including highly selective schools, state colleges, liberal arts colleges, public flagships, specialized programs, and many more.

The 14-week course is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and classes will meet in-person/virtually starting October 25th, 2022.

Scholarships available. Sign up before August 31st for the early bird special!

To sign up or for more information,  reach out to Rabbi Chaim Pinczower: Chabad101.com/cteen; cteen@chabad101.com or call 917-543-4153