On a quiet Friday night in Gwinnett, Georgia, a group of young professionals gathered around the Lermans’ Shabbos table. Most had never met before. By the end of the evening, they were planning their next get-together. A community was born.
“Our goal with CYP is to ensure young Jewish adults have a community. Not just events, but a family,” said Rabbi Mendel Lerman, who, together with his wife Chana, launched a Chabad Young Professionals chapter this year after four years of CKids and CTeen Shlichus. “Our greatest pride is seeing them become real friends, hanging out, connecting. While knowing they have Shluchim who are invested in their lives at its most critical stage.”
That hunger for connection has become the defining pulse of Chabad Young Professionals. Over the last twelve months, CYP has emerged as the fastest-growing frontier in Shlichus. Since July, a new CYP chapter has opened every three days, and demand continues to rise.
“Everywhere we turn, Shluchim are meeting young Jews who are looking for a community that understands them,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “This is the generation that wants purpose, guidance, and shared values, but they want it authentic, and in their language.”
It’s that wave of momentum powering this year’s CYP Encounter Shabbaton, set for MLK Weekend, January 16–18, 2026 27–29 Teves 5786.
The annual weekend brings young Jews from around the world for three days of immersive learning, connection, and Jewish pride in the Rebbe’s community.
After two years of reckoning with antisemitism and the war in Israel, thousands of young Jews are showing up, not just to stand against hate, but to discover and celebrate what they stand for. From Atlanta to Guatemala, Asia to Israel, they’re turning to Torah, community, and each other, building grassroots spaces that reflect their values.
Over the past twelve months, ten regional CYP Encounter weekends gave them space to connect, learn, and lead. Many also joined their Shluchim on volunteer missions in Israel, turning shared values into action. Now they’re heading to Crown Heights, to build on that energy on a global scale with peers from around the world.
That same drive powered the largest virtual Jewish speed-dating event to date. Over 10,000 young Jews joined Met@Chabad’s global, values-based platform, guided by their Shluchim and focused on real sustainable relationships. Since October 7, young Jews are choosing to prioritize identity, purpose, and building Jewish homes, over swipe culture.
Last year saw CYP Academy is growing in parallel. Its cohort-based learning tracks, on relevant topics such as purpose, relationships, and career, give young professionals practical Torah they can apply. And they are: in their decisions, their dating, and their daily lives.
“We’re seeing a generation that demands authenticity,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “They want real Torah learning, true relationships, and guidance they can trust, from people who understand them, not just demographically, but spiritually and emotionally. And it’s the Rebbe’s Shluchim who are on the front lines answering that call.”
The weekend will be packed with immersive experiences, including workshops on the Torah’s guidance on dating, career success, and navigating Jewish identity in the workplace. Participants will daven at the Rebbe’s shul, experience a Shabbos in Crown Heights homes, and culminate with a visit to the Ohel.
“The Encounter is about creating experiences that become a movement,” said Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, director of CYP Encounters at Merkos 302. “We’re bringing together a thousand leaders, not just participants, to experience what’s possible when young Jews live with purpose. They’ll leave with tools, friendships, and a clear sense of mission, and on their return, each one becomes a spark for their own community.”
The CYP Encounter: Crown Heights Shabbaton will take place MLK Weekend: Jan 16-18, 2026 | 27–29 Teves 5786.
Opening week discount begins Monday, October 27 ($200 Discount). Invite the young Jewish professionals in your community to register at CYPSHABBAT.NYC
.
To organize a group from your community or for more information, email [email protected]
