F
ive members from Chabad of Troy flew to New
York to participate in the Shabbat in the Heights
Shabbaton earlier this spring.
The Shabbaton was hosted by JLI (Jewish Learning
Institute), a premier Jewish educational organization
that provides different learning opportunities to Jews
throughout the world. Most notably, they provide the
curriculum for the classes that Chabad of Troy and
hundreds of other Chabad houses teach throughout the
year.
The Shabbaton’s theme was spending the weekend
immersed in the famous Jewish community of Crown
Heights, Brooklyn, and learning about Judaism through
seeing it live.
Rabbi Menachem Caytak led the group that spent
Shabbat together with more than 500 Jews from around
the world, including groups from Hungary, England and
Alabama. They were also joined by a local group from
Chabad of Bloomfield Hills, led by Rabbi Levi Dubov.
Spending Shabbat in Crown Heights is like stepping
into a mini-Jerusalem, Rabbi Caytak said. The shops are
closed; the streets are crowded with people going to syn-
agogue; and friendly “Shabbat Shalom” wishes are said
to every passerby.
Friday night, the group started off at Chabad World
Headquarters, otherwise known as 770, and then
continued for learning and services at a local hall.
Afterward, they ate Shabbat dinner with a local family
to further immerse in the culture of the community.
Shabbat day was chock full of different lectures and
learning experiences. One highlight was hearing the
story of how an NBC anchor, Mollie Resnick, found her
way to Judaism.
Another fascinating part was a crossfire between dif-
ferent prominent rabbis discussing various controversial
questions and answers in Judaism.
Different tours of the community were offered
throughout the day, including visiting the home of the
Rebbe, of blessed memory.
Saturday night there was a beautiful Havdalah cere-
Chabad of Troy and Chabad
of Bloomfield Hills take part in
‘Shabbat in the Heights.’
Shabbaton
in Crown
Heights
JN STAFF
18 | AUGUST 1 • 2024
J
N
OUR COMMUNITY
Marla Scafe, Anna Elkina, Adam
Kollin, Rabbi Menachem Caytak
and Changiz Mohiyeddini at the
entrance to 770 Eastern Parkway,
Chabad World Headquarters.
COURTESY OF CHABAD OF TROY