"We are all beyond excited about opening the Chabad Teen Lounge. Through constant times of uncertainty surrounding the Jewish community that seem never ending, the prospect of having a space for Jewish teens to relax is vitally important," said Shayna Braunstein, a senior at Homestead Highschool and youth leader at CTeen Mequon.
Amid a shockingly increasing amount of online and in-school antisemitic incidents facing teens across the globe, the CTeen Lounge offers a proactive setting for teens to connect, recharge, and spearhead community initiatives. "Dinie Rapoport, who co-directs CTeen Mequon with her husband, Rabbi Moshe Rapoport, emphasizes, "It’s crucial now more than ever to provide a space where teens can empower each other, fostering a strong communal spirit, knowing they are never alone."
This center is one of 40 such spaces built across the globe throughout the past year, with ten more scheduled to open in the coming months. Reflecting the awakening of interest amongst young Jews in embracing their identity and taking the lead on community initiatives, this expansion comes at a crucial time when recent studies indicate that 71 percent of Jewish teens have experienced antisemitic incidents.
"Against all odds, the Jewish teens of CTeen Mequon are stepping forward as leaders, showing what it means to stand proud in their identity," said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International at Chabad World Headquarters. "In today’s world, it’s not only community leaders but every individual who must take on the role of spreading light and positivity."
The new lounge is also made possible by a matching grant from the Harri Hoffman Family Foundation.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will highlight the unique contributions of CTeen alumni and current CTeen leaders, illustrating the community's united stand against antisemitism and its support for youth leadership.
About CTeen Mequon:
Led by Rabbi Moshe and Dinie Rapoport, CTeen Mequon is part of CTeen, the Chabad Teen Network, the world’s largest network of Jewish teenagers, spanning over 821 chapters across 64 countries. With a strong emphasis on leadership through acts of kindness and community service, CTeen has intensified its efforts since October 7th to ensure that Jewish teens can lead safe, impactful lives, free from antisemitism.