Teen Unity shines amid Punta del Este Shabbaton challenges

Jewish teens gathered from across South America for the first-ever South American Regional CTeen Shabbaton. The weekend focused on bonding, on important topics such as marriage. Jewish and Eretz Yisroel. They even benefited from a surprise visit from the Mayor.

Known as the “Hamptons of South America,” Punta del Este, Uruguay, a popular seaside tourist destination, recently hosted a remarkable gathering of Jewish teenagers from three South American countries. The action-packed Shabbaton brought together teenagers from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay for a weekend of solidarity and inspiration, providing a much-needed boost of Jewish pride amid the rising wave of anti-Semitism and isolation that the whole world has experienced since October 7.

The three-day summit brought together teenagers from diverse backgrounds, such as the large Jewish community in Buenos Aires and the much smaller one in Asunción, Paraguay. “Connecting with people from so many places has been incredibly rewarding. Because of this Shabbat, I realized that I was part of the larger Jewish community,” said a 16-year-old. Meir Tolcesof Asuncion.

“Such gatherings are crucial for young Jews growing up in isolated communities,” the rabbi said Mendy Kotlarski, executive director of Merkos 302, the umbrella organization of CTeen. “Reaching out to adolescents in these regions and allowing them to feel part of the broader international community has a lasting impact on their future and on Jewish continuity. »

Given that regional meetups of the largest Jewish teen network are nothing new for CTeen, but this was the first Shabbaton of its kind in the region, with plans for another for Spanish speakers in Over the next few months, the gathering focused on connections through shared experiences. Friday's activities included soccer for the boys and bowling and arcade games for the girls, plus a relaxing walk on the boardwalk. Participants stayed in two beautiful hotels in Punta del Este and converged to usher in an early winter Shabbat with a collective candle-lighting ceremony. Participants were encouraged to disconnect from their phones for the duration of Shabbat, fostering a sense of true connection and reflection.

Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov, leader in Uruguay, spoke to teenagers about the current situation in Israel and how best to respond to anti-Semitism. His words brought comfort and a sense of empowerment, reminding the teens of their strength of unity in the face of adversity. After evening services, the teens enjoyed a Shabbat meal and tasted inspiring farbrengens late into the night, expressing their Jewishness in a joyful and energetic way and fostering deeper connections with their new friends.

The Shacharis took place in the nearby Beit Yaacov synagogue, generously made available by the community. Led by the rabbi Chai Kohanfrom the Spanish office of Merkos 302, the CTeen staff created a magnificent service that resonated with everyone in attendance, including a handful of local residents who came to be inspired.

On Shabbat afternoon, Rabbi Shemtov, an expert on interfaith marriage prevention and author of “Dear Rabbi, Why Can’t I Marry Him?” ”, led a scenic discussion on the beach with the older teens. “The highlight of Shabbaton was Rabbi Shemtov’s class on marrying Jews,” said one attendee. “He answered everyone’s questions sensitively, explaining the deeper meaning of our traditions and why and how to defend them.”

In an unexpected twist, the group ran into the mayor of Punta del Este, Enrique Antia take an afternoon walk, returning from the beach chat. Excited to see a group of proud young Jews, he expressed his love and support for Israel and informed them of the miraculous rescue of 4 Israeli hostages this Shabbat by the IDF. Proud in the South American tourist hub, the teenagers were moved by the prominent politician openly displaying his solidarity. With their heads held high, they rushed to inform the others of this surprise meeting.

Shabbat ended with a musical havdalah ceremony and pizza party in the spacious villa of a Chabad family. The teenagers took advantage of the free time to relax after a dynamic Shabbos program. The evening concluded with an “Ask Me Anything” session featuring Rabbi Eliezer ShemtovRabbi Leo Manobla by CTeen Wolfsohn and the rabbi Ionatan Sirota from the Ayeka Center, Buenos Aires, who answered questions on a wide range of topics. The questions were submitted anonymously and all received relevant answers.

Closing the event with a Sunday lunch banquet, Shabbaton participants made mitzvah resolutions. Among various commitments to good deeds, the teens decided to start observing Shabbat, speak positively and organize Jewish teen get-togethers as practical lessons from this uplifting weekend of inspiration.

Shabbaton CTeen South America was made possible thanks to:
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302
Rabbi Chai Kohan, Merkos Spanish Office 302
The CTeen team at Merkos 302
Rabbi Shimon and Leah Rivkin, directors of CTeen International
Raizy Leitner and Tzivi Rabin
Rabbi Eliezer and Rochi Shemtov lead Shluchim in Uruguay
Rabbi Mendy and Musya Shemtov, from CTeen Uruguay
Rabbi Ionatan and Avigail Sirota, from the Ayeka Center
Rabbi Leo and Vanina Manobla, by CTeen Wolfsohn
Rabbi Mendy and Faigui Grunblatt, from Beit Jabad Buschiazzo
Alan Charnovich and his incredible team of advisors