C.A.S.T.
Where: Social Hall @ Congregation Ahavas Sholom
2568 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43209
When: 9:15am Shabbos mornings
Who: Teens - 6th graders and up
Congregation Ahavas Sholom Teens or C.A.S.T. as it's known began in September of
2001 as an opportunity for the youth of Ahavas Sholom to conduct their own services
each Shabbos morning. It is the brainchild of local Columbus businessman Ira Nutis.
Ira, along with his two sons, Sammy & Joey, has been able to galvanize teens from all
over the community and expose them to the beauty and fun of a traditional Shabbos
morning. The goal was to empower the teens with a sense of responsibility and
authority. The results over the past two and half years have exceeded all
expectations. As many as 30 teens gather each Shabbos in the social hall of
Ahavas Sholom to lead the services, read from the Torah and enjoy a hot cholent
Kiddush.
In addition to getting together on Shabbos mornings, the teens also experience
exciting extra curricular activities. This past year included white-water rafting in
West Virginia, a Cincinnati Bengal football game and a limousine chauffeured road
rally which culminated with a night of bowling.
The highlight of the teens calendar has been their annual pre-Passover Shabbaton
trip. The past two years the destination was New York City with a weekend full of
meeting other teens and sharing with them in their minyan, along with educational
events, such as visiting a Matza bakery and Tefillin factory. This year the choice
was to travel to a warmer climate and meet the teens of the Hebrew Academy of Miami
Beach. This trip will take place over the Presidents' Day Weekend. Besides spending
Shabbos and meeting new friends, the kids will also experience a traditional
Chassidic tisch (Friday night dessert) and have learning sessions in the Yeshiva
located there. A trip to the Florida Everglades is also planned as well as an outing
to Sara's Restaurant for pizza.