Watch: 48 Hours of Connection and Belonging at CYP Encounter Shabbaton

In a world of constant noise and superficial interactions, a thousand young professionals from 30 countries stepped away from their busy lives for 48 hours to immerse themselves in authentic Jewish experiences at the CYP Encounter, the largest international summit of young Jewish professionals in the world. “It was so nice to meet Jews from around the world,” said Aaron Salter, a participant from CYP New Haven, Connecticut. “It reminded me how big and small the Jewish world really is and how connected we are.”

From inspiring lectures to an uplifting Shabbos to a meaningful visit to the Ohel, what they found was real. A weekend of inspiration, connection, and belonging. Moments that made them laugh, cry, and remember what truly matters.

“To see young professionals rise to the occasion on Shabbos, making commitments to keep mitzvos like putting on tefillin or keeping Shabbos, and having everyone around them support them, that was really inspiring,” Aaron said.

A poll taken the following week confirmed that over 235 participants kept Shabbos upon their return home.

“From 50 to over a thousand in just five years tells you everything,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Executive Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “With new chapters and lounges opening worldwide, we’re expanding to reach even more communities in the year ahead. What we witnessed this weekend is just the beginning.”

The Encounter team at CYP International—Merkos 302:

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman
Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Executive Director
Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, Director, CYP Encounters
Ms. Dassi Gansburg, Director, Met@Chabad
Rabbi Mendy Kornfeld, Social Media
Rabbi Mordi Schapiro, Logistics
Rabbi Pinni Katz, Customer Support
Dovid Weinbaum, DW Productions

Credit: Itzik Belenitzki – CYP International