I Didn’t Think Judaism Was for Me

Growing up in a mostly Christian public school made it hard to feel connected to Judaism. Until this past year, I didn’t feel much of a connection at all.

But this summer, I decided to join the CTeen board—and to make Judaism a priority in my life.

I had been involved in CTeen before, but this year the connection felt much deeper. I went to two Shabbatons: a regional one in Wisconsin and the international one in New York.

I was hesitant, but I ended up loving every minute of the regional Shabbaton. I didn’t want it to end. When I finally got to NYC, I was excited—but also overwhelmed. Everyone seemed more religious, more outgoing, more experienced.

But then I heard a speaker who shared his personal story—one I truly connected with. He turned his life around through Judaism. His journey helped me see Chabad, and being religious, in a new light.

Since then, I’ve started going to synagogue at least once a month—which is a big change from only going on holidays.

CTeen helped me realize that being Jewish is a blessing. Even in a non-Jewish environment, I now understand how meaningful Judaism is in my life.