Despite Year of Challenges Annual Weekend for Young Professionals Set to Be Largest Ever
Young Jewish professionals around the globe are marking their calendars as registration opens for the CYP Encounter Shabbaton. Anticipated to be the largest gathering yet, this year’s event comes at a time when being a young Jewish professional comes with a whole new set of challenges, making the lessons and impact of this annual weekend more needed and impactful than ever.
“It’s been a challenging year for our young professionals, both professionally and socially,” says Rabbi Mendel Fayershteyn of Chabad Young Professionals Ft. Lauderdale. “More than ever, they’re looking forward to this weekend. The strength and inspiration that come from hundreds of young Jews uniting in Jewish pride and love is truly incomparable.”
The Shabbaton has been wholly revamped to meet the evolving needs of today’s young Jews, drawing on insights from shluchim and their communities. The program will focus on fostering meaningful relationships, offering workshops on dating, and helping participants feel part of a broader community. It’s an opportunity for like-minded young Jews from around the world to come together, share experiences, and inspire one another.
“Throughout the past year, we’ve seen young Jews step up in their Jewish identity, pride, and activism,” notes Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Being a young Jewish professional today carries different challenges and responsibilities than it did just a year ago. This is set to be a weekend of global impact, as young Jewish leaders from communities across the globe inspire each other to take meaningful action.”
Hosted in the heart of Crown Heights, the Shabbaton is an opportunity for young Jews to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Chassidic life. Participants will have the chance to learn about authentic Jewish life, daven in the Rebbe’s Shul, and soak in the energy of the community. The climax of the weekend will be a visit to the Ohel, an opportunity for personal reflection and connection before returning to their respective communities.
“Now more than ever, young Jews are looking to connect,” says Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) International at Merkos 302. “Shluchim worldwide are witnessing firsthand the eagerness among young professionals to be part of something bigger. Every year, we see the tremendous impact of this weekend—the beautiful stories of friendships, spiritual growth, and relationships that develop from this powerful gathering. With the collective young professional Jewish experience being completely transformed this year the Shabbaton holds even greater significance.”
The weekend will feature world-renowned inspirational lecturers addressing topics that today’s young Jewish professionals face on a daily basis. Among the esteemed speakers are Rabbi Shais Taub and Mrs. Manya Lazaroff, who will delve into subjects like relationships, dealing with antisemitism online and in the workplace, and maintaining a healthy work-spiritual life balance.
Jim Kapenstein, Senior Vice President at The Walt Disney Company, will share his personal life story, aiming to guide the young professionals on navigating business success without compromising on Jewish identity and values in today’s climate.
The weekend is dedicated לעילוי נשמת הרה”ח הרב משה יהודא בן הרה”ח צבי יוסף ע”ה קאטלארסקי, the spearhead of the Chabad Young Professionals International movement.
With tens of new Chabad Young Professional chapters launched and unprecedented participation throughout the past year this year’s Shabbaton is set to be the largest yet. Early registrants will enjoy an opening week discount when registration opens on November 4th.
For more information visit https://reg.cypshabbat.nyc/marketing or email encounter@chabadyoung.com
The CYP Encounter: Crown Heights Shabbaton will take place MLK Weekend | January 17-19 | Teves 17-19 | 5785 – 2025
