By Erin Levi
Rabbi David Shushan, founder of BCteen (Bukharian Chabad Teen Group) at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center, recently led a meaningful outing for Bukharian teens as part of the annual CTeen Shabbaton. Held during the first week of Adar, earlier this month, this global event brings together 6,000 Jewish teens from around the world for a weekend of inspiration, unity, and celebration.
CTeen (Chabad Teen Network) is a dynamic global organization that engages Jewish teens of all backgrounds through meaningful programs. The initiative helps harness their potential by fostering purpose, self-discovery, and community involvement.
Rabbi Shushan organized the outing in collaboration with teens from Hollis Hills, under the leadership of Rabbi Daniel Zavulunov of the Sephardic Center of Hollis Hills. The evening began with Arvit (the evening prayer), followed by a trip to Crown Heights for dinner at Mendy’s, a well-known kosher restaurant. Over the meal, Rabbi Shushan shared words of inspiration about the significance of the month of Adar and its message of joy and spiritual renewal.
After dinner, the group visited 770 (Chabad Headquarters) to participate in the nightly Adar celebrations. Throughout the month, Jewish teens gather there every evening around 9:30-10 PM for an hour of dancing and rejoicing. After dancing, Rabbi Shushan’s group prayed upstairs in the office of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a place of prayer and inspiration where hundreds of thousands have come to get the blessings of the Rebbe—a very meaningful conclusion to the CTeen Shabbaton.
This marked the second consecutive year that BCteen participated, providing Bukharian American teens with an opportunity to experience the energy and unity of Jewish youth from around the world.
Rabbi Shushan emphasized the profound impact of such gatherings, noting that they strengthen Jewish identity, community bonds, and spiritual growth.
“I hope this tradition will continue to bring genuine joy and inspiration to the lives of Bukharian teens and beyond,” said Rabbi Shushan.