Where: Small Shul @ Congregation Ahavas Sholom
2568 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43209

When: 9:15am Shabbos mornings

Who: Teens - 6th graders and up

What it is: 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 small sanctuary 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.

For more information about the Teen Minyan and how to join,
please contact Rabbi Noach Burr at (614)237-4360.