Frequently Asked Questions

Shabbat in the Heights begins with registration, which runs from 9:00 AM on Friday morning, May 2, 2025, until 4:00 PM. The program concludes at 3:00 PM on Sunday afternoon (May 4).

The program carries a $399 registration fee per adult and a $150 registration fee per child. An early-bird discount worth $25 per adult is available until January 30th, 2025.

The registration fee is an all-inclusive rate for the full weekend experience. It includes access to all tours and programs, the children’s program, meals, and a complimentary welcome bag.

Note: this fee does not include lodging or accommodations.

Accommodations are arranged independently of your registration fee, with two options available:

1. Stay with a local host family. Please contact your group leader, who will be happy to facilitate accommodations hosted by a local family.
2. Short-term rentals. We are happy to secure your stay at a local short-term rental. Please contact us at [email protected].

Yes, you will enjoy a gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the program. Many dietary needs are accommodated; Please email [email protected] with any dietary requests.

Meal Itinerary:

Friday: Pre-Shabbat reception and Shabbat Dinner with a local host family
Shabbat: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Sunday: Breakfast and a Lunch to-go

We do not provide transportation to and from airports before the program begins in Crown Heights. We provide transportation to and from the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens on Sunday.

The program concludes at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, whereupon transportation is provided back to Crown Heights and/or to JFK and LGA.

We recommend landing in JFK or LGA, each of which is a 35–45-minute drive from Crown Heights. Check Google Maps to view the public transportation options.

EWR is further away in New Jersey, making taxis more expensive. Public buses and trains can take you from EWR to Manhattan, where the subway runs directly to Crown Heights. Please check Google Maps to view your options.

Each community affiliated with Shabbat in the Heights has an invitation code. If you don’t know your code, kindly consult with your local Chabad rabbi.

A special early-bird discount of $25 is available until January 30th, 2025. Apply code “Early” when registering to activate this discount.

Program registration opens on Friday morning; the program proper begins on Friday afternoon and ends on Sunday afternoon.

If you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, we recommend securing a short-term rental. If you are staying with a local host, we recommend reaching out to your group leader for guidance and possible arrangements.

Yes. Please select this option when registering.

Crown Heights sits in the heart of Brooklyn. Street parking is available, but you may need to circle a block or two first to secure a spot. Watch out for street cleaning schedules and parking meters. Alternatively, public transportation in New York City is reliable, accessible, and easy to use.

  • If you choose to cancel your registration on or before March 24, 2025, you will receive a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
  • If you choose to cancel between March 24 and April 22, you will receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds will be issued on or after April 22, 2025.

To cancel your registration, email us at [email protected].

Not at all. The program is designed to be meaningful and accessible for Jews of all backgrounds. All talks are in English; guidance will be provided throughout the prayer services.

Yes. We operate a special children’s program throughout the weekend for children aged 4–14. Children will enjoy a full program of special activities and trips and join the adults for meals.

To arrange babysitting for younger children, please email us at [email protected].

May is springtime in New York. We expect mild weather, with the temperature ranging between 54° and 72° Fahrenheit. You will likely need a light jacket. Check the weather forecast before departure.

We suggest wearing slightly more formal attire for Shabbat; feel free to find your comfort zone between business casual and semi-formal.

We will do a good bit of walking over Shabbat. Crown Heights is relatively flat, so walking from your host to the program and from the program to meals should be fairly unchallenging.

If you would like to stay nearer to the main location or at a residence with fewer stairs, please include this in the Notes section upon registration.

The entire program schedule will be posted in the lead-up to the program. The general format is similar from year to year; you can view the basic schedule here.

There is no official programming for singles, however this is a great opportunity to meet singles from around the country.

Gift-giving is not required. If you are staying at a local family’s residence, a gift is a thoughtful way of showing your appreciation.

Popular gifts such as flowers or wine for Shabbat are available for purchase in Crown Heights.