CTeens of Merrick-Bellmore hosted their “Sundown at the Beach” event this Monday at the Chabad of the Beaches in Long Beach.
Jewish teens gathered from across Long Island to eat, chat, play games and participate in prayer.
Rabbi Shimon Kramer, the director of CTeens, likes to see events like Sundown at the Beach take place as they are positive activities in which teens can participate.
Rabbi Kramer explained that there are three key components to every CTeens event: to learn a lesson, either from a speaker or through group discussion; participate in volunteer work (sending gifts to a children’s hospital, for example); and enjoying a fun activity.
At Monday’s event, teens came together to talk, pray, play music, enjoy a barbecue and play some football – all right on the beach. The Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) is next week, so the event acted as a kind of reminder and get-together in the spirit of the days to come.
Prayer on the beach was lead by Rabbi Eli Goodman of Bach Chabad. Rabbi Goodman helped male attendees with Teffilin, two small black boxes with black straps attached containing verses of the Torah, that are worn during prayer.
“It is important for kids to learn about their heritage [and CTeens provides] a venue for Jewish teens to hang out together,” said Rabbi Goodman.
The president of CTeens of Merrick-Bellmore, Scott Fessler, joined the group with the same goals as Rabbi Goodman. “These events help get as many Jewish teens involved as possible,” said Fessler.
“Many more [Jewish] teenagers should be affiliated with their Jewish identity,” he added.
Coming together with a common bond, like Judaism, helps teens feel connected to their peers and their community, while learning more about themselves.
CTeens Event Coordinator Sharona Maynard works hard to make sure that the word is out about CTeens events. “I use Facebook, e-mail, and word-of-mouth. I even go down lists of local members and make personal phone calls,” Maynard said.
The Long Beach event hosted a number of CTeens participants thanks to efforts like these.
CTeens events are open to all Jewish teens, ages 13 to 17, in the community. Visit the CTeenswebsite or Facebook page to find out more about the organization, upcoming events and how to join.
