Children and young adults thrive when their days are filled with meaningful moments and opportunities to grow, learn, and connect. These experiences serve as the soil that forms a child’s development, worldview, and identity.
As we gear up for a fresh year of Hebrew School, C-Teen Junior, and C-Teen, we wanted to reflect on a few inspiring journeys we witnessed from the previous year.
Hebrew School: Sarah’s story
Eight-year-old Sarah joined our Hebrew School two years ago. When she first entered the class, she wasn’t sure about joining in the fun, opting to sit in the back of the room. However, with support from her teachers and new friends, she started to open up. Her mom said, “Hebrew School became her second home within a few weeks. She made so many friends and started to count the days until the next session.” Sarah said that her favorite part of Hebrew school was the Pizza lunch, but we think she means the songs and friends at the table.
Camp: Ethan’s adventure
For 12-year-old Ethan, who had just moved to town, attending Camp Gan Israel was also a leap. “I was nervous about going to camp,” Ethan admitted, “I never attended anything Jewish in my life.” “But once we started to kick the soccer ball around, I felt I had what to show.” As part of the Bar Mitzvah Division, Ethan bonded with five other boys over soccer, trips to water parks, and their newfound love for Judaism. “Camp taught me that being Jewish isn’t just a religion,” Ethan said with a smile, “It’s a family.”
The Bar Mitzvah Division at Camp Gan Israel.
C-Teen and C-Teen Jr: Leah’s journey of self-discovery
Leah, 15, joined C-Teen last year with her parents’ encouragement. They were hoping she would make some Jewish friends in the area. Luckily for them, Leah was one of the most social kids we’ve ever met! However, beyond friendship, Leah was at the age where she began to think about bigger issues in the world. When asked what stood out most, Leah shared, “C-Teen gave me a space to ask questions, share my thoughts, and learn from great role models like Rabbi and Chaya Rivka.”
Leah’s younger brother Matt is 13 years old, and although he would have otherwise aged out of Hebrew School and been too young for C-Teen, we’re thrilled to announce that this year, Jewish middle schoolers like Matt will also have a club — C-Teen Junior.
Devin’s journey: from Venice to Florida
Devin’s journey with Chabad of Venice has taken him from Hebrew School to Camp to C-Teen, all the way to the University of Florida. Along the way, Devin has grown into a confident and compassionate young man. When asked what he learned at Chabad, Devin told us, “More important than the Hebrew reading skills or the volunteer hours I received, the programs at Chabad of Venice filled me with a Jewish identity.”
Now, as a student at the University of Florida, Devin continues to stay connected to his Jewish roots. “I got a message from Rabbi Sholom that a new star student is coming to campus,” said Rabbi Goldberg, Chabad Rabbi at the University of Florida. “It’s great to welcome students like Devin, who are familiar with their roots and excited to continue their Jewish journey.”
Devin, sent off to campus with a care package.
Conclusion
Sarah, Ethan, Leah, and Devin are just a few examples from many. Through Hebrew School, Camp, and C-Teen, our youth have found a supportive community, discovered their passions, and developed the skills and values they need to thrive. We invite you to join us in creating more inspiring stories by getting involved or supporting our youth programs. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and shine.
