Valerya Gurevitch arrived at the CYP Encounter from Los Angeles, where she had recently evacuated her home as forest fires edged too close. Even amid the disruption, she stayed focused on her goal: visiting the Rebbe’s resting place. On Sunday, she joined hundreds of young professionals at the Ohel to make that dream a reality.
“The Ohel was a very emotional experience, as you can imagine,” she said. “I’ve dreamed of coming for so long. I just poured my heart out, the holiness is so palpable.”
The visit capped an entire Shabbos of bonding, inspiration, and spiritual growth at the CYP Encounter weekend. Where over 700 young Jewish professionals came together, to forge connections and deepen their sense of purpose. On Sunday they made their way to the Ohel for the final, climactic gathering.
“Inspiration is wonderful, but how will we bring this uplifting experience into our daily lives?” opened the MC, Rabbi Moshe Gourarie, Shliach to Toms River, NJ. “Each of us are different and will have a unique takeaway,” he shared, setting the tone for the speakers that followed, who illustrated just how varied—and powerful—those takeaways can be.
At last year’s Encounter, Moshe Gindi almost missed the annual Ohel visit. He shared with the crowd how, last-minute, he had made it to the sacred site and prayed for a life partner. Soon after, he met Eden Salmi at CYP Nashville. Eden had her own story: months earlier, she too had come to the Ohel, praying for guidance in finding the right person. “We realized we were praying for the same thing,” Eden said, standing next to Moshe. “And we found each other unexpectedly!” Now engaged, they returned to the Ohel, side by side, to express gratitude together.
Dr. Richard Levine of Baltimore took the stage next, describing a low point he faced several years ago—both personally and professionally. Unsure of his next move, he found solace in a “chance” encounter with his local Shliach, Rabbi Yaakov Kaplan, who eventually suggested visiting the Ohel. Dr. Levine credited that visit with helping him see the first steps forward. “It opened a path,” he said. “Things began to line up after I made the effort to connect.”
In the final segment, Simona Trembitsky, a Brooklyn native, spoke about growing up close to the Ohel. “Some people ask for guidance; some share gratitude. It’s not always about experiencing something miraculous. It’s about having a place to spiritually recharge.”
“At the Ohel, each person has the opportunity to be open and honest about where they stand and where they want to grow,” said Met@Chabad Coordinator and event organizer, Dassi Gansburg. “Whether in times of happiness or in moments of despair, its a space where anyone can truly connect.”
Inspired by the weekend, participants resolved to integrate Jewish values more fully into their lives. Many embraced Shabbos observance, keeping Kosher, or putting on Tefillin daily. After an inspiring weekend focused on the power of building a home grounded in their heritage, a powerful theme for many was pledging to marry Jewish.
“These young leaders represent Jewish communities across the globe,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Chairman of Chabad Young Professionals International. “Standing together at the Ohel, committed to the Rebbe’s vision of illuminating our circles of influence, we are excited to see the reverberations worldwide.”
Rabbi Beryl Frankel, director of CYP International at Merkos 302, and Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, CYP Encounters coordinator, closed the event encouraging participants to continue the inspiration by joining and leading regional CYP Encounters, fostering their connection with the global family of young Jewish professionals all year long.
My brain’s exploding. Dozens of comments of how terrible the deal is with people saying how the politicians should rot and how if only people would just listen to the Rebbe.
Less than a week later we’re celebrating that the President of Israel – a huge supporter of the deal – visited the Ohel. Why is Chabad giving a platform to any Israeli politician that supported the deal?!