The Fastest Growing Demographic of Shlichus

In recent years, a remarkable new frontier of Shlichus has been unfolding. Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) has rapidly become the fastest-growing demographic in Shlichus, with over 309 centers on six continents dedicated to engaging Jews in their 20s and 30s. This summer alone, during July and August, a new CYP chapter opened every 7 days, underscoring the momentum fueling this movement.

The growth has been extraordinary. From established metropolises like New York, Tel Aviv, and London to emerging hubs across Latin America, and in the US, New Mexico, Atlanta, Virginia, Ohio, and even Caracas, Venezuela, Shluchim are opening CYP communities at an unprecedented pace.

What began in 2014 as a handful of pioneering Shluchim has matured into a global network that is shaping the landscape of Jewish life for a generation.

“The Rebbe’s model is unique because it puts Shluchim on the frontlines,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch’s efforts to expand Chabad’s Shluchim network. “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 the future of the Jewish people. By meeting them with warmth, authenticity, and vision, CYP Shluchim are creating spaces 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.”

Perhaps the most revolutionary impact of CYP is Met@Chabad, a dating initiative led by Shluchim. Across the world, Shluchim are stepping into roles as dating coaches, matchmakers, and mentors, hosting curated Encounter Shabbatons, running CYP Academy Torah-based relationship courses, and guiding young Jews through a values-driven process toward marriage.

Inspired by the Rebbe’s call to build lasting Jewish homes, Shluchim are using Met@Chabad’s tools, trained shadchanim, a values-driven algorithm, and a global network, to transform today’s dating culture into a sacred journey toward marriage, one soul-connection at a time.

While many traditional areas of Shlichus have developed, CYP is expanding with remarkable speed and impact. It is the demographic most in need, most receptive, and most decisive for the Jewish future.

That next chapter is already visible in Cincinnati, where Rabbi Levik and Mushkie Gourarie are moving to establish a new CYP center.

“We’re seeing an influx of young Jews relocating here to work for major companies moving into this historic Jewish neighborhood,” Rabbi Gourarie said. “And they are thirsty; they’re seeking truth, meaning, and purpose. Today’s generation is not satisfied with pop culture or social media trends. They demand authenticity. And that’s what they are looking for in their Jewishness as well.”

In Richmond, Virginia, Rabbi Menachem and Daniella Lessoff are witnessing the same momentum.

“This is the capital of Virginia, where companies like CoStar are building headquarters,” Rabbi Lessoff said. “Every week, new young professionals walk through our doors looking for community.
After a year of Shlichus on campus, they saw firsthand how strong the demand is for a space after college, a place they can call home. “With today’s rise in antisemitism, young Jews aren’t waiting until they’re raising children to engage in Jewish life. They want to be active and informed now.”

One local young professional, Tim, sent a DM that echoed the point: “Seeing all this anti-Israel sentiment on the streets of Richmond is inspiring me to embrace my heritage even more. How do I get involved?”

Shluchim, for more information about launching a CYP community in your city, email [email protected]