From 35 to Over 1,000: Registration Opens for Landmark 10th Annual CYP Encounter Crown Heights

A decade after just 35 young Jewish professionals gathered in Crown Heights for the first Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) Encounter, registration is set to open for its landmark 10th year, with over 1,000 participants expected from around the world. Behind this remarkable growth are stories of young Jews whose lives have been transformed, from newfound connections to Yiddishkeit to marriages and the establishment of Jewish homes.

For some, it was a Shabbos that inspired them to begin keeping Shabbos themselves. For others, it was the first time they felt part of a global Jewish community. And for some, it was where they met the person they would eventually marry.

These are the stories that have emerged over the past decade, as what began as a small gathering has grown into an international event that continues to shape Jewish lives long after the weekend concludes.

With registration opening Monday, October 12 (Aleph Cheshvan), at 12 PM ET, CYP International is preparing to welcome young Jews from around the world to Crown Heights for the 10th Annual CYP Encounter, taking place January 15–17, 2027 (7–9 Shevat 5787)

The milestone comes amid extraordinary growth in young professional Shlichus, one of the fastest-growing areas of Shlichus today. The Chabad Young Professionals network, under the auspices of Merkos 302, now spans nearly 350 communities worldwide, reaching young Jews at a pivotal stage in their lives as they build careers, seek their future spouses, and establish the foundations of their Jewish homes.

“The Rebbe taught us to see the tremendous potential in every single Jew,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “When a young Jew connects to Yiddishkeit at this stage of life, the impact doesn’t stop with them. It shapes the Jewish home they will build and the generations that follow. Seeing Encounter grow from 35 participants to over 1,000 is a testament to the incredible work of Shluchim worldwide and the lasting impact of investing in our young professionals.”

For Shluchim, the weekend has become an opportunity to take the relationships they build throughout the year to an entirely new level. Young professionals who may be among a small circle of Jewish peers in their home cities suddenly find themselves surrounded by hundreds of others their age, sharing a Shabbos in the Rebbe’s neighborhood. They return with new friendships, greater Jewish pride, and a deeper connection to their local Chabad community.

The impact is especially evident in the relationships that have developed through Encounter. Over the years, introductions made during the weekend have led to shidduchim and marriages, with couples going on to establish Jewish homes of their own. That mission continues through Met at Chabad, which will once again host the world’s largest in-person Jewish speed-dating event during the weekend, bringing together hundreds of Jewish singles from communities across the globe.

“Encounter gives young Jews an experience they simply cannot get anywhere else,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International. “From davening in 770 and visiting the Ohel to touring Crown Heights and experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Rebbe’s neighborhood, these are moments that leave a lasting impression. When you combine that with the energy of being surrounded by hundreds of young Jewish peers from around the world, it becomes an experience that strengthens their connection to Yiddishkeit long after they return home and ultimately lead to the building of Jewish families.”

This year’s gathering will also introduce the YJL Jewish Leadership & Business Summit, taking place Thursday, January 14, in Manhattan. The exclusive event will bring together young Jewish professionals with prominent Jewish CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, creating opportunities for professional networking, mentorship, and Jewish leadership.

For Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, Assistant Director of CYP International, the 10th anniversary is about more than just the numbers.

“Ten years ago, 35 young Jews came together for a Shabbos. Today, we’re preparing to welcome over 1,000 from across the globe. But what really matters are the stories that come afterward: the young Jew who begins keeping Shabbos, the life-changing hachlatos made at the Ohel, and the couples who meet and go on to build Jewish homes. That’s the real impact of Encounter.”

Encounter is open to young Jewish professionals from all Chabad communities, including those served by community Shluchim and graduate-student Shluchim. Shluchim are encouraged to bring or send their young adults to Crown Heights for the weekend, giving them the opportunity to connect with Jewish peers from around the world and return home with renewed inspiration and a stronger connection to their local Chabad.

With registration opening this Monday, Shluchim worldwide are preparing their delegations for what is expected to be the largest CYP Encounter yet, marking a decade of transforming a single Shabbos in Crown Heights into a lifetime of Jewish connection, growth, and the building of Jewish homes.

The 10th Annual CYP Encounter will take place January 15–17, 2027 (7–9 Shevat 5787), in Crown Heights. To register or organize a group from your community, visit CYPSHABBAT.NYC or email [email protected].