Young Professionals Weekend to Host World’s Largest Jewish Speed-Dating Event
by Menachem Berkowitz
A historic Jewish matchmaking event is set to take place during the annual CYP Encounter weekend next week. Powered by the signature Met@Chabad combo of traditional matchmaking and state-of-the-art AI technology, this event highlights the recent growing trend of young Jews looking to build a Jewish home.
The world’s largest Jewish Speed-Dating event is set for next weekend in Crown Heights, taking place during the CYP Encounter Shabbaton. The timed matchmaking marathon will kick off the iconic MLK weekend gathering, which brings together over 600 young Jewish professionals from around the world.
In the few years since being launched, Met@Chabad, a division of Chabad Young Professionals (CYP), has been revolutionizing the world of Jewish dating. Their track record speaks for itself: Over the past year, their regional meetups and virtual programs have connected more than 15,000 Jewish singles, including facilitating 20 engagements, three of which occurred at last year’s Shabbaton.
“Now more than ever, young Jews are reassessing their life priorities and stepping up in their search for a partner to build a Jewish home with,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Chairman of CYP International. “Our goal is to provide them with the direction, tools and opportunities to find their soulmates in effective and meaningful ways.”
What sets Met@Chabad apart isn’t just their scale—it’s their unique blend of old and new. They have developed a sophisticated system that uses AI technology to make initial matches inspired by meaningful life values with long-term impact. However, the tradition is vital: experienced shadchanim will be available throughout the weekend to connect participants and guide them through the nuanced factors that only a human touch can discern.
“Met@Chabad knows the struggle many singles face in today’s world, and we are constantly exploring innovative solutions to help,” said Met@Chabad Coordinator, Dassi Gansburg.
The roots of this innovative approach stretch back to the earliest days of campus Pegisha gatherings. The Rebbe made it clear: when young men and women come together to explore their Jewish identities, there must be a framework to help them find their soulmates. Organizers recall how, in the late 1960s, the Rebbe personally instructed that professional shadchanim be on hand to ensure singles had thoughtful guidance as they navigated the serious questions of dating and marriage.
The upcoming speed-dating event is a direct outgrowth of that legacy—offering participants an environment supported by both modern tools and personal mentors who understand the nuances of building a Jewish life together.
“Young professionals today want something real. They’re looking for connections that go deeper than what typical dating apps can offer,” says Rabbi Beryl Frankel, director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “This approach bridges that gap, bringing together modern efficiency with the wisdom of traditional Jewish matchmaking.”
The immersive weekend is also set to feature focused workshops by Rabbi Shais Taub and dating coach Manya Lazaroff. They will provide participants with a Torah-based perspective on navigating the modern dating scene. Inspired by the Rebbe’s teachings, the sessions aim to help participants crystalize their values and date more intentionally.
With the Crown Heights gathering just a week away, it stands ready to inspire deep connections and lasting relationships, making history in the world of Jewish matchmaking.
For those interested in being part of this groundbreaking event, register today at www.cypshabbat.nyc or through email at encounter@chabadyoung.com
