Ahead of Kinus, 18 New Communities Join the Fastest-Growing Frontier of Shlichus

As thousands of Shluchim prepare to gather in Crown Heights for the International Kinus Hashluchim, Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) is marking another milestone in its rapid global expansion, with 18 new communities joining its international network in recent months.

One of the fastest-growing frontiers of Shlichus continues to gain momentum. Chabad Young Professionals (CYP), a division of Merkos 302, has grown into a global network of over 350 centers across six continents, dedicated to engaging young Jews in their 20s and 30s.

The new communities reflect the growing demand for meaningful Jewish connection among young professionals worldwide.  

From international cities like Munich, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Lyon and Marseille, France, to growing communities across the United States, including Fort Wayne, Indiana; Des Moines, Iowa; El Paso, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida, Shluchim are opening new CYP chapters at a rapid pace. New chapters have also opened in Panama City, Panama, and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

What began in 2014 with a handful of pioneering Shluchim has grown into a global network that is helping shape Jewish life for an entire generation.

“The Rebbe’s model is unique because it puts Shluchim on the frontlines,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “They see Jewish life as it develops, and they respond. When young professionals were being overlooked, Shluchim recognized the need and built CYP, which has since become the fastest-growing frontier in Shlichus.”

The need is clear. Young professionals are at a defining stage of life, launching careers, choosing life partners, and beginning to build families. These are the years when decisions shape not only individual futures but also the future of the Jewish people. By meeting them with warmth, authenticity, and vision, CYP Shluchim are creating communities where Yiddishkeit is lived with pride and joy.

“Young professionals are not just looking for programming; they are looking to lead,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “The beauty of CYP is that the young professionals partner with their Shluchim to build communities from the bottom up. It’s a grassroots model, exactly the way the Rebbe envisioned Shlichus.”

The growing desire for Jewish connection and community is also evident in the overwhelming response to the upcoming CYP Encounter Crown Heights, taking place January 15–17, 2027 (7–9 Shevat). Registration for the international Shabbaton has already more than tripled last year’s opening-week numbers, reflecting the enthusiasm of young Jewish professionals eager to connect with a larger Jewish community.

“What we’re seeing is that young Jewish professionals are actively searching for a community they can call home,” said Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, Assistant Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “The incredible response to this year’s CYP Encounter is just one example of that. These young Jews want to be connected, they want to belong, and they want to be part of something bigger. Every new CYP chapter means another city where young Jews can find that sense of family, build meaningful relationships, and become active members of a Jewish community.”

CYP Encounter brings together young professionals from around the world, allowing them to experience the strength of a global Jewish community while deepening the connections they have built with their local Shluchim.

Another significant dimension of CYP’s impact is Met@Chabad, a dating initiative led by Shluchim. Around the world, they serve as dating coaches, matchmakers, and mentors, hosting curated Encounter shabbatons, offering CYP Academy Torah-based relationship courses, and guiding young Jews toward building meaningful relationships and Jewish homes.

Inspired by the Rebbe’s call to build lasting Jewish homes, Met@Chabad provides Shluchim with tools, trained shadchanim, a values-driven matching algorithm, and a global network to help young Jews navigate dating with purpose and direction.

Alongside the many established areas of shlichus, CYP’s expansion reflects the tremendous opportunity to reach young Jews at one of the most influential stages of their lives, when decisions about identity, relationships, and community can shape their futures for decades to come.

As Shluchim from around the world prepare to gather for the Kinus Hashluchim, the continued growth of CYP highlights both the increasing demand for young professional communities and the dedication of Shluchim stepping forward to meet that need.

From major international cities to smaller Jewish communities, the message is unmistakable: young Jewish professionals are looking for connection, meaning, and a community they can call home.

With more Shluchim recognizing this opportunity and joining the CYP network, the next chapter of this rapidly growing frontier of Shlichus is already underway.

Shluchim interested in launching a CYP community in their city can reach out via email at shluchim@chabadyoung.com or through WhatsApp https://wa.link/d5te0l for more information.