Chabad Young Professionals: Shaping the Future of Young Jewish Adults

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In a world where young adults often feel isolated in their pursuit of identity, purpose, and community, Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) offers a beacon of connection and support. The world’s largest network of Jewish young professionals has rapidly transformed from a modest gathering of 50 individuals to a thriving global movement. But behind the figures lies a deeply human story,  one about community, authenticity, and a renewed commitment to Jewish life. This is the story of how CYP became more than just an organization; it’s become the very backbone of Jewish continuity in the modern world.

The roots of Chabad Young Professionals can be traced to the mission of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who emphasized the importance of supporting every Jew at every stage of life. For decades, Chabad has provided community and guidance to Jews around the world, yet many young adults found themselves without a Jewish framework once they graduated college, moved to new cities and began their careers. CYP was created to fill that gap.

Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International, explains this founding vision. “Young Jewish professionals face major life decisions, often without a Jewish support system to turn to. We created CYP to give them a place where their Jewish identity and their professional lives can grow together. Our goal is to offer community, guidance and a real sense of belonging.”

CYP’s vision centers on three pillars: Professional Community, Social Community and Jewish Experience. This holistic approach provides mentorship, friendship and meaningful Jewish engagement tailored to the fast-paced lives of today’s young adults.

The Emergence of “Encounter” and the Crown Heights Shabbaton:

As CYP’s reach expanded, it became clear that a new kind of event was needed,  one that could bring young Jewish professionals from across the globe together for an immersive experience. This led to the creation of the “CYP Encounter,” a large-scale event designed to provide participants with a deep, authentic Jewish experience. The Crown Heights Shabbaton,  held in Brooklyn, New York, at the heart of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement,  has become the flagship gathering for CYP.

The Encounter is more than just a Shabbat experience. It blends spiritual immersion, professional networking, cultural exploration, and high-energy social programming into one transformative weekend. It has become the premier young Jewish event of the year, bringing together thousands of Jewish professionals from around the world.

Participants share traditional Shabbat meals, join meaningful Torah learning sessions, and visit important Jewish landmarks, including “770,” the central synagogue and world headquarters of Chabad. Alongside these moments of connection and heritage, the weekend also features world-class speakers who address the real challenges and opportunities facing young Jews today.

The Encounter is equally focused on personal and professional growth. Attendees take part in networking events, leadership development workshops, industry breakout groups, and conversations that spark new ideas and new opportunities.

And one of the most talked-about highlights is the relationship-building programming. The Encounter now hosts the largest in-person Jewish speed dating event in the world. It is values-based, energetic, and designed to help young Jews meet one another in a natural and meaningful way. For many, it has become the most exciting and memorable part of the entire weekend.

All together, the Encounter creates an environment where young Jews can reconnect with their roots, build new friendships, explore their professional paths, and feel part of a thriving global community.

Growth Over Time,  From 50 to a Global Phenomenon:

What began as a small gathering has quickly grown into a massive international movement. In just a few years, the Encounter has expanded from only 50 participants to nearly 1,500 projected attendees for the 2026 event, which will take place over MLK Weekend from January 16 to 18. Attendees represent more than 150 cities and 30 countries, creating one of the most diverse and global gatherings of young Jewish professionals anywhere in the world.

This rapid growth reflects a rising demand among young Jews for authentic and meaningful Jewish experiences, along with a renewed desire to reclaim and strengthen their Jewish identity in a rapidly changing world.

According to Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, Assistant Director of CYP International, the impact of the Encounter goes far beyond its size. “What makes the Encounter so powerful,” he explains, “is not just how many people attend, but what it feels like the moment you walk in. Young professionals instantly feel seen, heard and valued. The environment speaks to their need for genuine community and their desire to connect with people who share their values, while still understanding the pressures of modern professional life. We work hard to create a space that honors Jewish identity in a way that feels relevant, empowering and deeply personal.”

What Happens at the Encounter,  Programming & Experience:

The CYP Encounter is designed as an immersive and meaningful experience that brings together spirituality, community, and personal growth in a way that feels fresh and relevant. Participants experience the beauty of Shabbat through uplifting services and engaging learning sessions with dynamic teachers who speak to the questions young adults are actually asking. For many, the Shabbat experience becomes one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of the entire weekend. The goal is not to focus on tradition for its own sake, but to present Judaism as something alive, inspiring, and deeply connected to modern life.

Attendees also get to explore the culture and heartbeat of the community through visits to local Jewish institutions, conversations with leaders, and behind-the-scenes experiences that give them a deeper appreciation for Jewish life today in a way that feels accessible and real.

Beyond the spiritual side, the weekend offers a wide range of social and professional opportunities. Industry-specific breakout sessions, leadership workshops, networking mixers, and social gatherings are all designed to spark genuine conversations and meaningful new friendships. These aren’t superficial meet-and-greets. They create the space for young adults to find people they relate to, learn from, and naturally connect with.

One of the most exciting parts of the Encounter is the values-based speed dating experience, now recognized as the largest in-person Jewish speed dating event in the world. It is fast-paced, comfortable, and intentionally designed to help young Jews meet one another in a meaningful way.

Another beloved tradition is the Saturday-night Havdalah concert, an emotional and electrifying celebration that brings hundreds together through music, energy, and Jewish unity. It is the moment that many participants say captures the entire spirit of the Encounter in one unforgettable experience.

Organizational Strategy, Scope & Identity:

CYP is not just an event; it’s a global movement. With hundreds of communities and thousands of participants worldwide, it serves a mobile, career-oriented, and often unaffiliated demographic. CYP aims to build a global Jewish community, united by shared values and a commitment to living authentic Jewish lives. The movement spans over 30 countries, creating a vast support system for young Jews wherever they go.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of Chabad Young Professionals International and Executive Director of Merkos 302, explains that the core philosophy of CYP is rooted in the Rebbe’s belief that “every Jew is a universe.” As he puts it, “This individual-centered approach guides everything we do. Every participant is treated with care, attention and respect, and our support system ensures that no one is ever alone, no matter where they live or work. Whether a young professional moves to New York, Miami, Madrid or Singapore, they know they can rely on the global network of Chabad Shluchim and Shluchos for support, guidance and real connection.”

What Makes CYP Unique Today:

CYP is unlike any other Jewish organization. It’s the only global movement specifically designed for young professionals ages 22–39, a demographic that is often overlooked in traditional Jewish programming. By focusing on the years after college and providing the support that young Jews need during a crucial time of personal and professional development, CYP has filled a void in the Jewish community.

What sets CYP apart is its combination of authentic Jewish experiences with modern professional and social needs. The Encounter is a reflection of this unique blend,  where deep spiritual engagement meets practical, real-world experiences. This approach resonates deeply with today’s Jewish young adults, who are seeking a meaningful way to live their Jewish identity in an increasingly complex world.

Visit CYP’s website to learn more about upcoming events, connect with local communities, and experience the power of authentic Jewish living in today’s world. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant, transformative network,  one that’s redefining what it means to be a young Jewish professional.

For more details, visit CYP’s website or explore CYP Shabbat NYC. To see the magic of the Encounter, watch the recap film.