Jewish Professionals Meet Up in Singapore

They came from seventeen countries — including Cambodia, Taiwan, Israel, Australia, Austria, and the Netherlands—for a weekend in Singapore. “Encounters,” as the experience is called, creates opportunities for young Jewish professionals to meet, network, and perhaps even find their Jewish soulmate. 

Henna Meltzer arrived from Sydney, Australia. “Joining with other young Jews from around the world to celebrate each other and our heritage was an unforgettable experience. This was really something special that many of us didn’t realize we needed,” she said.

A project of Chabad Young Professionals International, the Jan 30 weekend was hosted by the Jewish Welfare Board of Singapore. To kick off the gathering on Friday, the group took a boat to Pulau Ubin Island, right off of mainland Singapore, where they enjoyed its scenic nature.

Shabbat — a first for many of the forty professionals — featured traditional prayers and kosher home-cooked meals. They also engaged in a Q&A session with local rabbis Mordechai Abergel and Netanel Rivni, examining issues of ethics in business and personal relationships from a Jewish perspective.

“With antisemitism recently on the rise, bringing Jews together — especially those who come from more isolated communities — is an essential reminder of our unity and identity,” said Rabbi Leivy Srugo of Chabad in Taipei, Taiwan. “The dancing and singing during the prayers, the meaningful conversations and connections — this weekend was truly remarkable.”

Raphael Galuz came from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. “Meeting and bonding with Jews from so many different backgrounds and places was refreshing,” he said. “I’ve been trying to get more in touch with my Judaism by starting to keep Shabbat and kosher little by little — this weekend really gave me a boost.

Shabbat was capped Saturday night by a farewell Havdalah ceremony, featuring a live DJ.

For Justin Stein, from Sydney, “It really was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that created lasting memories and friendships with fellow Jews from around the world.”