Over the last 20 years, the Mayanot Institute of
Jewish Studies has aimed to fill the gap in experiential and text based Jewish
education. As a mission statement and organizational motto, Mayanot’s main goal
is to connect young Jews from around the world to their land, their people and
their heritage. Today, Mayanot’s newest division, affiliated with Chabad
Young Professionals (CYP) International, joins the ranks.
Founded in January 2018 by Rabbi Levi and Rebbetzin
Aidel Margolin, Mayanot Young Professionals (aka, YJP Jerusalem) focuses
on engaging alumni from our Men's and Women's Learning Programs as well as
Birthright Israel participants who now call Israel home, whether long or short
term.
In addition, YJP Jerusalem puts a strong focus on
English speaking Olim and people on long term programs living in
Jerusalem. Their target market, young English speakers aged 25-40, has welcomed
the new division with great enthusiasm. In just four months, YJP’s events and
Shabbat meals have been attended by more than 500 people.
“We've been hosting people for Shabbos, Chanukah,
Purim and more, in the almost two years we've been married,” said Levi. “We
noticed a gap in the system in Israel’s capital city and we set out to fill
it.” Filling that gap officially began on March 1st with a Purim Seuda
at Jerusalem’s Machane Yehudah Market.
The Purim event, attended by more than 140
people, offered guests the opportunity to perform the four Purim mitzvot
- seuda, megillah, mishloach manot and matanot
l’evyonim. That’s something many attendees, even those from more
traditional homes, admit they may not have done. That, Levi says, “is the most
important barometer of success for YJP”.
For Aidel, the launch of YJP Jerusalem signals a
unique shift in Jerusalem. “We saw from the get-go, at our Purim Seuda, that
people are thirsty for something more, something engaging and hands-on” said
Aidel. “And with the crowd of nearly 120 at the Lag B'omer BBQ, we're certain
these numbers will continue to impress.”
The Margolins have many ideas going forward, some
modest and humble, like a monthly Rosh Chodesh gathering for women, or a
Chassidus class once a week. Other ideas, Levi admits, will be designed to wow
the Holy City. For instance, a Mega Shabbat Dinner for 500+ guests.
The goal of YJP, as Levi explains, is to offer relevant
and engaging Jewish programming on a social, religious and cultural level. “We
want to create a community, a place for people to meet and mingle and take the
relationship beyond the program or event.”
Up next? A Shavuot late night learning with wine
and cheese coupled with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s early neighborhoods and a
private, sunrise Minyan overlooking the Kotel.
YJP Jerusalem can be contacted via email at [email protected]
or by WhatsApp and phone at +972-52-872-2886. Stay tuned and visit www.YJPJerusalem.com
for more information.
