This past weekend, close to 500 Jewish men and women from over 60 communities—including Germany, Brazil, Hungary, the UK, Canada, and the U.S.—came together in Crown Heights for Shabbat in the Heights, the annual immersive Shabbaton hosted by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).
The Shabbaton was planned by a dedicated steering committee: Rabbi Chaim Hanoka (Pasadena, CA), Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov (Munster, IN), Rabbi Levi Dubov (Bloomfield Hills, MI), and Rabbi Yanky Majesky (Orlando, FL).
The program opened with a thought-provoking session, Jewish Wisdom: Truths and Myths, featuring greetings from Rabbi Yehuda Tiechtel. Participants then toured the Rebbe’s Library and explored Kingston Avenue on foot, offering a personal look at the energy and heart of Crown Heights. A warm welcome reception at 770 led into Shabbos, followed by a talk from Rabbi Manis Friedman. “Just being there felt like a personal visit with the Rebbe,” one guest shared.
Friday night dinners with local families were intimate and deeply meaningful. Shabbos morning began with a Chassidus study group led by Rabbi Levi Dubov and continued with davening, led by Cantor Shmuly Hurwitz. During the Torah reading, seven shluchim shared insights from the parsha: Rabbi Yankie Denburg, Rabbi Yisroel Zavdi, Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov, Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky, Rabbi Yanky Majesky, Rabbi Moishe Krasnanski, and Rabbi Benny Zippel.
In the afternoon, Dr. Chava Green delivered a powerful talk titled From Radical Feminist to Hasidic Feminist, which resonated deeply with the audience.
The communal lunch, chaired by Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, featured a keynote address by Rabbi Ari Shishler titled Rare Blessings. This was followed by the popular Crossfire panel, moderated by Rabbi Hanoka and featuring Rabbi Manis Friedman, Dr. Chava Green, and Rabbi Shishler, who addressed a range of timely and challenging questions in Jewish life.
Later that day, guests visited the Rebbe’s home and met with community figures including Mrs. Pnina Hanoka, Mrs. Molly Resnick, Rabbi Levi Baumgarten, and Rabbi Shlomo and Mrs. Shaina Teichtel.
As Shabbos came to a close, men and women gathered separately for farbrengens. The women heard from Mrs. Rivka Kotlarsky, Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson, Mrs. Dina Polichenco, and Mrs. Leah Silberstein. The men farbrenged with Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman, sharing stories and inspiration late into the night.
Havdalah, led by Cantor Shmuly Hurwitz, was followed by a lively Melave Malka with greetings from Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky and personal reflections from Matisyahu and Yael Trusch. “Spending an actual Shabbos in the Heights is magical—I’ll never forget it,” one participant said.
On Sunday, guests toured local sites including Hatzalah, Chaverim, the Rebbe’s Library, OK Kosher, and the women’s mikvah.
The weekend closed with a group visit to the Rebbe’s Ohel, introduced by Rabbi Simon Jacobson, who spoke about the meaning of the moment. A video presentation followed.
Many guests left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. As one participant put it, “Shabbat in the Heights doesn’t end—it continues in how we live, grow, and give.”
Plans are already in motion for next year’s gathering.
