Over 700 young Jewish professionals filled the streets of Crown Heights Friday as the Chabad Young Professionals Encounter kicked off its landmark weekend with immersive learning, an inspiring conversation with a Jewish Disney exec, and the world’s largest in-person Jewish speed-dating event.
Participants spent the day of immersive learning exploring the Crown Heights community, visiting the iconic 770 Chabad World Headquarters, meeting with local Sofers, and visiting the Mikvah to learn about Jewish family life.
For first-time Crown Heights visitor Zack Springer, 26, an aspiring real estate mogul from Toronto's CYP Bayview, the first day left a lasting impression. "Praying in 770 this morning, you can feel the spirituality of everyone growing together," he says. "With rising antisemitism, it's so important to be proud and visible, not be intimidated, and connect with others who are proud, strong, and looking to grow in their Judaism."
"This weekend we are witnessing something extraordinary – young Jews from across the globe choosing to stand proud, to learn, and to connect deeply with their heritage," says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CYP International and Executive Director of Merkos 302. "In times when many young professionals feel isolated in their workplaces and communities, this unprecedented turnout shows their determination to build stronger Jewish identities and communities."
Delegations facing immediate challenges – including recent evacuees from the Los Angeles wildfires and groups from Europe and Israel – found particular comfort in Friday’s opening events. Valerya Gurevitch, a young professional who joined the weekend with CYP Mt. Olympus in Los Angeles, recently evacuated her home due to the fires. "I'm looking forward to spending Shabbat with the holy Jews of Crown Heights and exploring the special neighborhood," says Gurevitch.
The weekend's programming addresses contemporary challenges facing young Jewish professionals, including relationship workshops led by Mrs. Manya Lazaroff, at the world's largest Jewish speed-dating event, and a focused discussion by Jim Kapenstein on maintaining Jewish identity in professional environments.
"For a young Jew looking to grow, there's nothing quite like spending Shabbos with the Crown Heights community," said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “Surrounded by authentic inspiration, it’s the perfect setting to deepen their knowledge and Jewish pride."
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