Uptown Chabad Reflects on a Successful 2022

By Rabbi Motti Groner

It was a busy and successful year for the Uptown Chabad for Young Jewish Professionals, and as we begin the new year, it’s time to reflect on all that we’ve achieved.

In 2022, we’ve reached 457 unique young adults through our events and programs, and we’ve had 2,393 attendees. We’ve offered a range of activities, from Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations to educational workshops and social events, all designed to bring together young Jewish professionals in the uptown area.

One of last year’s highlights was our annual Drinks and Dreidels Chanukah party at Ink N Ivy, which drew more than 170 attendees and featured donuts, latkes, and a giant menorah lighting. We also hosted a successful Pesach Seder, which brought together more than 100 young adults to observe the holiday and traditions.

For the second time, we hosted High Holiday services with an average of 40 young adults per service and a Rosh Hashanah dinner for more than 100 attendees.

Shabbat dinners have been a staple of the Uptown Chabad and have been a highlight for many of our community members. Our Shabbat dinners are hosted at our home and have an average attendance of 40 people per dinner. These events provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for young Jewish professionals to celebrate Shabbat and enjoy each other’s company. Shabbat dinners also offer an opportunity for spiritual growth and connection.

In addition to these events, we’ve also offered a variety of educational programs, including a monthly Wine and Cheese Social Learning, where we discuss Jewish ethics, mysticism, the Jewish approach to relationships, and other contemporary issues.

Wine and Cheese Learning event discussing relationships

We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and the Charlotte Jewish community, especially Gary and Jodi Michel, for their support of the Uptown Chabad. Their generosity has helped to make our events and programs possible and has allowed us to serve the needs of young Jewish professionals in the uptown area. In addition to the support we receive from these organizations, we are also grateful to our young professional community members who contribute to the funding of our programs.

As we enter the new year, we’re excited to continue building on the past year’s momentum and to offer even more opportunities for young Jewish professionals to connect, learn, and grow. We look forward to continuing to serve the needs of young Jewish professionals in the coming year. To learn more about the Uptown Chabad, visit theuptownchabad.com.