Testimonials
See what people are saying about our programs and events. Click here to submit your own comments!
The 2019 CTeen International shabbaton was without a doubt the greatest weekend of my life. Whether we were dancing on a boat, watching magic tricks, shouting “עם ישראל חי” in Times Square or even just walking around the streets of Crown Heights, the energy and our jewish pride was electric.
Good Morning Rabbi Lezell
I just wanted to thank you for all that you did for William to prepare him for his Bar Mitzvah. And for the beautiful service both Sat and Sunday. So many people (Jewish and non Jewish) commented about how beautiful the service was. The whole weekend was perfect.
Hi!!!! Just wanted to say thank you again! My kids are already asking if they can come back to Gan izzy next year!!!
And Mom just can't believe time flies, because it's Nathaniel's 5th year in Gan Izzy. Nathaniel was awake from 5 am due to excitement:) and words can't describe how happy he was to see his bus driver Mr. Ron this morning. He is so happy there. Thank you Mendy Lezell for caring so much for him and everyone else I'm sure.
M. and I want to thank you for doing so much in helping us and making the world a better place. I know this is a big statement and it’s from the heart.
The Shemtov’s: You are impressive family that creates other Rabbis for the Jewish people, has outreach programs, mitzvah programs and the lists goes on. We are so proud to be close friend with you and Miriam.
Rabbi, you truly touched our hearts when you traveled to be with us. We feel that G‑d seemed to have sent you a message on that sad day. J.L. had passed during both of our flights, which then landed minutes apart from each other. Rabbi, we feel that you were delivered to us at our time of need.
Mrs. L, she had so many questions to ask you, and with your wisdom, you helped ease her heart. M., you made his day.
In addition, you helped guide and comfort M’s brother, D. and his family, along with his caregivers in our time of sorrow.
James Russell Howell quote: "Not what we Give, but what we Share, for the Gift without the Giver is Bare.”
Dear Rabbi Lezell, My daughter Alyssa, loves coming to Hebrew School. We were going to .. before and she did not like to go to Hebrew school there. We had to force her to attend. Once we switched to Aleph Bet she told me "that Sunday is the best day of her week now" She loves coming to Hebrew School. When there was no Hebrew School scheduled Alyssa was so upset that there was no Hebrew School. She loves Hebrew School at Aleph Bet.
Thank you for all that you do.
We want to again express our heartfelt appreciation to you and Rechama for the many hours you spent helping Jacob prepare for his bar mitzvah, for including Jacob and us in such a special way at Shabbot services where he led the congregation in prayer, and for organizing and leading our Sunday service for family and friends. It was a wonderful weekend that deeply impacted both Jacob and Gabe, and we plan to keep active in the synagogue as a way to help further their faith.
When John and I first met Rabbi Shemtov and his wife Miriam at their annual Chanukah Wonderland years ago before the center when there was a place in the shopping center, we were impressed by their approach to make Judaism accessible to less observant and even non-traditional jewish families like ours. Now many years later, as we have come to know you and your wife, and your always positive and people-oriented way of teaching and greeting, our appreciation has really grown.
My experience over the weekend was unforgettable. Even though it wasn’t my first international it was my first as a leader which created a different experience. I got to meet the kindest people( other leaders as well as non leaders) from around the world who I only heard from in texts. I loved helping spread our chapter name and mitzvah and with everyone I talked to they had a nice thing to say about us which made it so much better knowing that we are loved from around the world. I’m so happy that I was able to be a leader this year and help spread the greatness of cteen the whole year to others. Thank you.
I am very proud of how well Rachel has done at Aleph Bet. She loves to attend her weekly classes and is has worked very hard over the last few years to be at the top of the reading groups. She said that she really enjoyed the Shabbat program last week, Thank you for coordinating and for doing as much as you do for the children (and parents). I will see you Wednesday.
My kids loved every moment of camp! There were five weeks of happiness! Everything is done with so much love to children and so thoughtfully! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Overall my experience at this shabbaton was amazing. As someone that has gone to previous internationals, I can genuinely say that every year it gets better and better, and each time I come home I miss it more and more
Thank you so much for your November 27th program (Pittsburgh memorial}.
Although it was painful to listen to...it was very meaningful, as well.
The history of the Holocaust must and should be remembered always and everywhere.
May it help to prevent such an enormous evil from ever happening again.
I just wanted to share how much Rebecca has been telling us she loves Aleph Bet Hebrew School. She couldnt stop talking about it today...Rebecca said everyone at Hebrew School is so nice and she loves learning about the holidays.
She even said, "I love Hebrew School as much as I love my family!" So she feels really comfortable and happy!
Thanks for all your hard work. We really appreciate it!
We wanted to thank you for today’s lovely ceremony and blessings to give Melissa and me our Hebrew names. It was a truly special day for all of us, especially with Mike holding the Torah at the end and being able to share the occasion with Melissa’s favorite aunt and uncle. We will frame our certificates and display them in our home.
My favorite part of the Shabbaton would be the closing ceremony because it had inspiring speakers and a powerful message overall. I also liked visiting the Ohel and learning more about the Rabbi who founded Cteen. Everyone was welcoming in Crown Heights. I talked to people from France, Uruguay, Russia, and Hungary-it was so cool to meet people from all over the world who are Jewish.
Thank you so much for making the summer so special for our twins Maria and Eugenia!
Every day in camp was a blessing. We couldn't have dreamt about a better place for our children! The only negative moment is that it is all over now.
Thank you again for doing such a wonderful job!
Andrew just finished talking... truly amazing in more ways than one, he said that he will be talking to Chaim after every JRA and he will be putting on tefilin. This was so worth it!
I know it is on Andrew’s mind to find his path in life.
Thank you for being his guardian in more ways than one! Get the rest you deserve! ❤
Sorry I missed your recent visit. The challah was delicious! Please thank your lovely wife.
Enclosed is my donation to the Chabad. It is comfort knowing there is a home so welcoming!
We would like to thank you for giving Evan a truly wonderful, warm, and meaningful Bar Mitzvah experience. We look forward to many future life events under your guidance. Today was so special. A day we will always remember. I would also like to ask you how I can honor my mother by placing her name on one of the leaves on the beautiful mosaic wall?
During the bus ride home I thought about the weekend as a whole and the way I felt throughout it and how comfortable I was with you and everyone throughout the trip and I decided that I'm gonna make another push to making a bigger connection to the Jewish community and making a commitment to myself that I'll put on tefillin and say shema every day
From the bottom of my heart I wanted to thank you for a terrific school year and introducing our family to the Jewish Community Center and the Labavitch community. The boys never once complained about having to go to school since our switch to Aleph Bet. We will be back next year and I will be registering them soon. It is so clear that you poor your heart out to all the children and truly enjoy what you do. Your investment in the kids and your community is unmatched. We truly did enjoy the program and your efforts.
I want to thank you. I arrived a little early at your class "Wrestling with Faith" last night. You may not remember, but you welcomed me and asked if I had been there before. I just wanted to let you know that you made me feel very comfortable and appreciated your welcoming acknowledgement. Your class was inspiring and I also find your Podcasts enlightening. Looking forward to your next class.
Hey guys! I want to thank all of you for such an inspirational and meaningful Shabbaton. I really had an amazing time and I can't thank all of you enough for hyping me up every step of the way during the Shabbaton!!! You guys are amazing and I really want to thank y'all for giving me a great time which unfortunately was my last international. Thank you guys. Rock on! Bucks! Bucks! Bucks!
I am impressed with all Hannah is learning so far this year, and it's only been a few short months so far! I appreciate all that you, Rechama, and the rest of the Hebrew School teachers do to make Jewish education such a rich, rewarding, fun, and meaningful experience for Jewish children regardless of their level of religious affiliation. I am truly grateful we found you!
Thank you to Dona, Chaim, and our leader. This weekend was very special! So many amazing memories made to remember forever and many lessons to take home this weekend. Thank you for making this so great, meaningful and exciting! Can’t wait till next year!!!!
The 1st class left me even more struggling with Faith, and I did not feel I got answers. Maybe a glimpse of an answer but nothing clear. I had so many questions on the topic that I read chapter 2 before the class but the book was nowhere nearly as clarifying to all my questions as the actual class. You answered even more questions that I have had in my mind. I want to let you know that each Monday you continue to impress me more and more with your knowledge, creativity and engaging way to present your lectures. I do listen to all the recordings but as good as they are there is no comparison to being in the class because you brighten up the room with your presence and your enthusiasm. Thank you for your wisdom, compassion and your guidance. You are not just helping me learn, you make me a better person
I just wanted to say that I had the absolute time of my life this weekend and I will never forget it. I left with inspiration and so many memories! Thank you Donna, all of the chaperones, and to everyone who was there with me! Until next year!!!!!
I don't know how to begin to thank you for the beautiful service you led for I. and L.'s B'nei Mitzvah on Sunday and for creating such a wonderful experience for our family on Saturday afternoon as well. Ian and Lauren were so well prepared for their service on Sunday; R. and I were beaming with pride and still are. Our family and friends all commented on the warmth of the service and the welcoming environment at the Glazier Jewish Center. We also share that sentiment. My father reveled in the richness of the experience as much as Ron and I did. It was so incredibly heart-warming for me to see him feeling so at home and in touch with the roots of his Jewish upbringing. We will always be grateful to you and the religious school teachers for providing such an enriching learning experience for all of us!
Thank you again, Warmest regards,
Thank you so much for this camp, it is the best and whenever we asked M. how her day was yesterday her response repeatedly was "awesome".
Thank you so much for having us over for Shabbat Dinner. It was amazing and we were thrilled to be there.
I finally have the answer the question posed to the table. I knew it would come to me !
My believe is that I would not be accepted in the religious Jewish community...that I would be judged or looked down upon because I am not 100% frum. We are very traditional/ observant and deeply proud Jews but in a very secular everyday Jewish world- if that makes sense. However, I was so comfortable last night and felt very accepted and it is because we are all Jews and that is what matters. I need to remember that.
I have an intellectual side that questions everything yet a spiritual side that just doesn't. It is a feeling that you have and one that I have always had- Neshuma. It is such a deep feeling. This is why I was smiling and happy all day today. I was smiling and happy all day today because when I left your lovely home , I looked at Jeff and said, " I love being Jewish ." It just felt wonderful.
Thank you again for having my family , thank you for helping to instill that feeling into our .. and thank you for all that you do.
Thank you guys for all the fun I’ve had on all the shabbatons I’ve had the honor of attending. I couldn’t have asked for a better chapter to take me in. You guys really are the best, the sweetest the loudest, and definitely have the most ruach in all of cteen. So thank you for making this a truly unforgettable experience. I love you guys 💕
First off, Thank you for a wonderful Friday night. Sorry S. and I had left so quickly.
Howard said that you all stayed late and talk. We are very lucky to have found a wonderful place for the kids to learn about their heritage.
Overall my experience at this shabbaton was amazing. As someone that has gone to previous internationals, I can genuinely say that every year it gets better and better, and each time I come home I miss it more and more
What a great place. A very welcoming community. Everyone there is completely non-judge mental and does not wish to create barriers by classifying the people that go there as reform, conservative, orthodox, etc. everyone is integrated it's just such a lovely place and both my children have gotten and are continuing to get awesome Jewish educations. My son was A bar mitzvah there and it was a wonderful experience. They offer several different options for Bar and Bat mitzvah services. You have the option to choose from a service that is about 50 minutes where men and women sit together to a much longer service that is more religious where the men and women sit separately and pretty much everything in between.
Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Mendy,
I just wanted to say that my kids had an amazing first week at camp. They love it and can't wait to go back on Monday!!! Your staff, members and families are so nice and respectful to each other. It s a wonderful feeling to experience a real sense of community when walking in your doors each morning we are there. Thanks again for a super week!! Enjoy your weekend.
I was overcome with emotion, as I usually am, during Shabbat dinner last Friday. The amount of love and joy that accompany any Chabad event reminds me of everything I cherish about it. This time, I was especially struck by the counselors: a group of young women who will be the next generation of Jewish mothers. Their husbands and children will be so lucky to have them as partners and life guides.
Especially emotional for me was hearing the songs kids sang. Partly, because they reminded me of my summers of Gan Israel fun and learning, but partly because of the innocence with which they were sung. I wondered how many in that room know how lucky they are to be able to sing those songs so loudly and without fear.
I wanted to share with you below what I shared with my friends on Facebook today. And if you think it would be of value, I would be honored to speak to your staff about the difference they are making and how different my life been had the Iron Curtain never been lifted.
You may have noticed, I don't post videos of my kid on Facebook. But I wanted to share this one. This is my son, William Eliran, singing a song he learned in camp. It's 20 seconds of nothing special if it's not your kid. But to me, this is everything. This is what religious freedom looks like. Will's Hebrew name is also his middle name, because we live in a country where he doesn't have to hide that he's a Jew. He is the first member of my family in over 70 years to have had a bris. Will is singing a song about being Jewish in our kitchen and I am not worried that the neighbors may hear through the wall. Will is the descendant of generations of Jews who chose to keep their faith, their culture, and their identity. Even when it was dangerous or inconvenient. Will's song is proof that good triumphs over evil. Through the state-sanctioned pogroms, Hitler's solutions, and Stalinist purges, a people's spirit survived. A small branch of our family tree survived all those horrors and we planted our new roots in this amazing country. Where I get to fret over being successful at raising a bilingual kid, but never over if it's safe or smart for me to raise him to be a Jew. http://youtu.be/WZO-BdWFBok
Camp Gan Izzy, Thank you so much for this lovely Holiday Card for Nathaniel from his this year Camp Counselor Nechama. Thank you and Happy Coming Chanukah (Nathaniel will be extremely excited to read it)
Hello Rabbi – I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. Sophie had a great day. She said everybody was fun and kind. She even liked the food! We hope we will be able to attend Gan Izzy next year.
Thank you for everything.
I thought that you may enjoy reading Maxx's paper. Thanks again for everything! You and Lubavitch have really made an impact on our family and we are so grateful!
To read the beautiful and meaningful letter, click here .
Just wanted to say thank you for the Purim Carnival. It is so nice to see entire community spending time together. Nicole and Rachael had a great time too!
I love my Friends at Gan Izzy by Ron Slutsky (from the talent quest today)
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Here is a link to the video instead.
I wanted you to know how much you and your family and the entire team at Lubavitch of BC mean to me.
You do not just guide people in the mechanics of being Jewish, you show us. I have never felt so much a part of a jewish community that feels like my family. We so much enjoy the Family Friday nights, all the Camp Gan Izzy events, your sermon for Yom Kippur on smart phones, Rabbi Weinstein's soul cafe and best of all, Chaya's wedding. I am so impressed on how Aleph Bet engages A. and how well you make good on the promise of "Fun Hebrew School" You do a brilliant job.
Thank you so much for your time!!
Ethan loves coming to your class. You have a very special gift and I feel so proud to have my son learn and feel in his heart what it means to be Jewish. I especially very much appreciate your work because I wouldn't be able to do this on my own. Thank you so very much again
A. had wonderful years attending Camp Gan Izzy and will cherish those memories for life.
Mazel tov to our Shana Maidel, M. L. For receiving the highest award- The Aleph Bet Medal for excelling in her Hebrew Language studies this year! We are so proud!
Thank you to Rabbi Mendy Lezell and Morah Rechama for another wonderful year and for all they do in teaching our children the love and pride of Judaism!
David and I want to let you know how much we appreciated sharing Shabbat dinner with you, your family, and other guests last Friday. You and Rosie are the most gracious hosts possible, and the experience was truly extraordinary. And such a beautiful family. You are both an inspiration.
Ben and Rebecca had an amazing first week of camp!! They both have been so excited to tell me about their days each afternoon.
Hi Rosie I was overwhelmed with your kind gesture of food for Mark and myself. It has been so stressful and I appreciate your kindness.
I would like to acknowledge the importance of the course on prayer you gave last years
On the surface it might look like it was a failure. But it was not. On the contrary, it was a big success that has lasting effect on our lives.
It brought our attention to the prayer and conveys a necessity of daily prayer.
We started to include daily prayer in our day-to day life.
Still have a long way to go.
Hopefully, you will continue the course and we will be where we should be in respect of the prayers with your's and H-m help.
Thank you so very much for such beautiful and delicious food that I discovered when I got home from work. It reminded me of the time when I was a child and came home from school to a tasty dinner made by mom mom or my grandmother, it brought back so many warm memories. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. You are so amazing and so special!!!
Thank you so much for everything that you are organizing and doing!!!
Special thank you to the TLC children!!!
What is the best part of Gan Izzy this summer???? Everything! I am looking at sarah's camp picture and she looks so happy because of this wonderful camp..thank you! ! - Beth B.
I just wanted to share how much Rebecca has been telling us she loves Aleph Bet Hebrew School. She couldnt stop talking about it today...Rebecca said everyone at Hebrew School is so nice and she loves learning about the holidays.
She even said, "I love Hebrew School as much as I love my family!" So she feels really comfortable and happy!
Thanks for all your hard work. We really appreciate it!
I can’t tell you enough what this class has meant to me ..and also your leadership. I owe you a world of thanks – we are lucky to have you guiding us….
Hi Rabbi, Thanks so much, and we will be in one day this week. The girls loved camp and I was thrilled with the program!
I feel very blessed to have attended your class this morning. I found it to be inspirational and educational. You are a delight, and I plan to see you most Wednesdays.
I want to thank you for a lovely Shabbat last week. Your warmth and hospitality are truly appreciated. The food was delicious as always! We are blessed to know you and it is always wonderful spending time together.
Have a wonderful Shabbat.
Shabbat dinner with your beautiful family is always a magic and an honor. Beside the very delicious meal there is a lot of food for soul.
Thank you Rabbi Weinstein for these messages. They are SO relateable (not sure that's a word, but hopefully you get my meaning) and are great examples of the process we are sharing with you. I know I have much farther to go, but I am definitely feeling a shift in my thinking, my interactions with others and in my responses. This is really a tough subject to present successfully. You are breaking it down so well and making it very practical and useful! Can't wait for our next class! Have a great day and see you tomorrow!
Shalom! Thank you for the wonderful program. The insights were profound, and the presentation was terrific. I would strongly urge the Happiness Seminar to become a regular course - or perhaps a tool of outreach for newcomers to Chabad. It perfectly encapsulates the Chabad message of practical, life-affirming spirituality in a non-threatening, welcoming format. Yashar koach!
H.S. Seminar Participant, Wilmington, DE
I know you're on your trip to Lakewood today, but I just have to tell you that our talk w you yesterday was life-changing. We BOTH came away feeling so inspired and rejuvenated and hopeful and loving towards each other. A. L.b thought it was just as good as I did! It was truly amazing and such mesias nefesh of you guys to come all the way up to see us. It really means so much and you should be blessed with the best shalom bayis for the rest of your lives for doing such a big mitzvah to help us so much! Love you so much and we seriously can't thank you enough.
Thank you once again for coming to speak with my class last Tuesday. As always, I think the kids left feeling both spiritually nourished and excited. One student, a senior boy, remarked that your visit was one of his most memorable experiences at George School. I hope you'll consider coming to speak next year.
I also wanted to follow up with you about those books on Jewish mysticism. Can you please recommend some titles?
I hope we get a chance to talk again soon.
Thank you, and be well, M.S., George School
Just a quick note to say thank you so much! for inviting us to Shabbat dinner!!! We had a truly wonderful time. It was so good to be surrounded by other Jews - sharing similar points of view, exchanging thoughts, feelings and ideas. I felt comforted, cared for, and part of a community.
This is Sara Wallner, Alana's mom. Alana is in your Bat Mitzvah club and I just had to tell you that she absolutely loves everything about it. Alana is so excited to tell me what discussions you all had, what plans are being made and can't wait until the next time you all get together. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job and for keeping my daughter interested in her faith and religion in such a fun and meaningful way.
Your family made Purim very special. We have celebrated Purim all mour lives. This year was different. It was a joy with meaning. Real joy!!!
Thank you. R. G., Buckingham
Finally, I want to share with you how much C. & I enjoyed your teaching. You really impart the knowledge in an easy going manner and carefully steer away from pit-fall discussions in order to keep the class on track. We'll be back for more in the future. Chag Sameach, G. N.
Thanks for the wonderfull Purim event ! We all enjoyed it greatly !
The young lady, who has accomponied me and my mother-in-law, is my mother-in-law live-in caregiver, she is from Lithuania and Catholic (I do not know though how observant she is).
I had a concern of inviting her to this event, but my wise wife alleviated my concerns and suggested to invite her too. I was not surprised to hear that this was the first ever Jewish event she has attended, but I was surprised to hear that she has enjoyed it very much too. We all have discussed the meaning of Purim and Magilla Esther, considering that my mother-in-law name is Esther too.
This brings a new meaning to "Jews bringing light to gentile nations".
Miriam, I shared a challah we made at Loaves of Love at your home on Thursday with one with my neighbor, She was so happy that I thought of her. Everyone in the house thought they came out great. Please send the recipe when you have a chance. I love that you take the guess work out of knowing the right temp. for the water. Yeast always scared me, now I might feel better about baking challas.