The Chabad Teen Network launched a new venture on April 15 called The Legacy Project, which aims to collect, share and preserve the stories of their grandparents and holocaust survivors living in the community.
Commonly known as CTeen, the network empowers youth with programs that teach critical leadership skills and community activism. Through brainstorming, delegating, and executing, teens create and implement community service initiatives, charity fundraisers, as well as, local and national trips.
“It is so important to preserve the memories traditions and life lessons they have to offer,” said Sophia Danziger, a CTeen member and a student at Mamaroneck High School of the program in a statement. “We created an archive for future generations.”
In groups of two or three, the teens visited the homes of holocaust survivors replete with homemade cookies, tea, and a list of questions. They sat in the survivors’ living rooms recording the stories -- such as that of Dr. Moshe Avital, who told of his experience during the Holocaust and his imprisonment in six concentration camps.
Rabbi Mendel Silberstein, the club’s founder, saw that adults were irritated with teens, seeing them as “takers” with nothing to offer until they grow up. Silberstein, however, saw society’s outlook as the root of the problem, causing a vicious cycle.
“How can anyone expect anything different when we refuse to give teens any responsibility?” said Rabbi Silberstein in a statement. “We’re watching the development of the leaders of tomorrow.”
Cteen gathers weekly to undertake a new community service project. From recording audiobooks for blind children at Bach 2 Rock music studio, to playing a grand game of basketball with South East Consortium special needs league, Cteen is continually active in the community.
One week, they prepared and executed a carnival for the Coachman Homeless Shelter with various booths and refreshments. Another week, they made and delivered delicious sandwiches to Hope Community Services. When the cold winter approached, Cteen made scarves to give to those in need.
More information is available online at jewishlarchmont.com, or by calling (914) 834-8000 or email at info@jewishlarchmont.com.
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