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

