By Mordi Wolf
Nothing is more powerful for a young Jew than spending a Shabbos in an immersive Jewish and Chassidic environment. For this reason, Shluchim bring their community members to the Rebbe, to introduce their constituents to the rich and dynamic lifestyle that Crown Heights offers. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, the streets of Crown Heights have been awfully quiet.
The last time CYP spent a Shabbos in Crown Heights was in January of 2020. Yet, as the pandemic eases down, CYP has announced that they will be hosting their annual Shabbaton this year! The CYP Shabbaton will be the first weekend event in Crown Heights, the hosting capital of America, since the onset of COVID-19.
The Chabad Young Professionals Shabbaton is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any young Jewish businessperson. The Shabbaton, overseen by a team of Shluchim, offers an authentic Jewish and Chassidic weekend experience. Participants are hosted by families in the community, partake in 770’s Tefillos, attend classes and lectures by world-renowned teachers, and are uplifted by meaningful and insightful farbrengens. The transformative weekend culminates with a special visit to the Rebbe’s Ohel.
Above all, the highlight of the Shabbaton is the chance for participants to foster genuine and deep relationships with their community members, their Shluchim, and themselves. This opportunity is ever so necessary this year as the world recovers after the global pandemic. That is why, this year, the Shabbaton’s theme is “Re-encounter.” The motive will be for the attendees to reconnect with themselves, their Neshama and build deeper relationships with their spouses, children, and friends.
This weekend does not only boast a spiritually packed schedule; it is also executed and arranged with CYP’s elegant flair and professionalism. This includes kosher food crawls, workshops, upscale cuisine, gala dinners, street tours, and live entertainment. Additionally, this year’s Shabbaton is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of its participants and the Crown Heights community. The Shabbaton organizers are closely heeding and regarding all the required CDC guidelines. As such, a limited number of people can attend the Shabbaton, so sign up as soon as possible.
“The drive behind this year’s Shabbaton was the Shluchim themselves,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, “The Shluchim felt that their community members were lacking without the unique experience that the Shabbaton offers. The weekend’s goal is to present a true and raw display of Jewish life in a modern and stylish fashion.”
Following the 2020 CYP Shabbaton, Rabbi Avremi Zippel enthused, “I was very hesitant to bring a group for the Shabbaton, as I felt like it was not for me, and it would be a total disaster. But in the end, my chevre absolutely loved it, both bgashmius and took huge strides bruchniyus. The relationships I made with them over Shabbos were remarkable.”
Moreover, the weekend had long-standing effects. “A few days after the Shabbaton I got a call from a participant,” continued Rabbi Zippel, “The caller asked me, ‘In Crown Heights you mentioned that we’re always welcome to move into your house for Shabbos. Can I take you up on the offer this week?’ This person had taken a hachlata by the Ohel to observe one Shabbos a month, but had not said anything at the time. Boruch Hashem, the Shabbaton’s results were lasting!”
The Shabbaton is open to all Chabad House community members ages 25 to 39.
For more info or to have your community join this incredible experience please visit cypshabbat.nyc.
Early bird tickets go on sale November 1.
mordi wolf is an amazing writer. A Chasidishe Australian Yungerman that writes so eloquently! It is so refreshing to read each article of his! I would definitely hire him for my next article. Best freelance writer out there!