Have You Heard of Townhouse? A Much-Needed Community in Crown Heights

It didn’t start with a grand plan. There was no strategic road map or long-term vision. There was just that familiar question as Rosh Hashanah approached, asked over and over again by the young people of Crown Heights. Where will we daven?

07 May 2026, 17:14 by COLlive Editor · COLlive

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It didn’t start with a grand plan. There was no strategic road map or long-term vision. There was just that familiar question as Rosh Hashanah approached, asked over and over again by the young people of Crown Heights. Where will we daven?

In Crown Heights—a neighborhood known for its vibrancy and warmth—it’s surprising how easily someone could feel alone.

“Eventually you move on from your grade Shul,” says Yankee Pearson, who founded Townhouse alongside Zacci and Chava Witkes in honor of his mother, Chaya Mushka bas R’ Dovid, a”h. “So besides for going out of town for Yom Tov, there’s not many options.”

That first year Akiva and Esther Sussholtz spearheaded the effort, and a last-minute invitation brought more than 100 people together into a house on President street. The energy was electric. The singing was soul-stirring. As the shower blew for neilah, a question echoed: “Can we do this again?”

Eight years later, that spontaneous energy has grown into Townhouse, a thriving community for singles and newly-marrieds in Crown Heights—featuring everything from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur davening, to Friday night meals, Yom Tov events, chassidishe farbrengens, JLI classes, and more.

Now, Chanie and Leibi Marozov have stepped into the role of team leaders, alongside program director Yossel Groner, giving new energy to the next phase of Townhouse.

“We’re ready to 10X every aspect of our programs,” says Australian-born Yossel Groner, who’s always been a community leader in his own right—hosting a Chanukah party every year that draws hundreds of people to his apartment.

A team of dedicated committees—from Friday Night meals to holiday events to Townhouse Girl’s Club and the new Men’s Club—craft consistent, meaningful touchpoints throughout the year. And with increased community support, Townhouse is stepping into a new phase: one with the resources to expand, elevate, and reach even more people who need it.

“Every big city Chabad House has a network of young professionals,” says board member Mendy Brafman. “Crown Heights was always missing that.”

Events have a focus toward meaning and inspiration, featuring speakers such as Rabbi Shais Taub, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, and Global Rabbi Avremi Berkowitz.

The need is great, but it’s not always noticed. “Ask the average Crown Heightser what kind of infrastructure exists for the hundreds of singles in their twenties and thirties, and they have no idea,” says Leibi Marozov.

Then there’s another angle to consider: “Imagine you’re 27 and you just moved to Crown Heights,” Yossel Groner explains. “Your goal is to meet someone and start building your life, whether single or married, but you have no family, friends, or network here; all your friends are driving carpool back at home. Where do you start?”

Of course, shidduchim are a driving force behind Townhouse, and both Chanie Marozov and Chava Witkes are heavily invested in making matches—but the path from single to married is not always linear. Instead the ultimate goal of Townhouse is connections.

“Being part of Townhouse is helping me build my network—meeting a potential chavrusa, gym buddy, or even just a Shabbos invitation from someone I meet at an event,” says Chaya Nadler, who moved cross-country from California and doesn’t have family in town.

“One on one conversations with Chanie have really given me a fresh perspective on my life stage,” says Devorah Leah Chernofsky, a Townhouse leader.

“Townhouse is a place where so many of us feel not just a sense of belonging as participants, but a sense of ownership as co-creators,” says Moishe Rosenzsweig, leader from Toronto.

Loneliness can be the hardest in a big city. Townhouse is here to change that. Whether it’s a memorable kumsitz, a welcoming Shabbos meal, or an instant connection with a new face.

These are the moments Townhouse creates—again and again. And, now for the first time ever, after 8 years of community-building, Townhouse is turning to the wider Crown Heights and Chabad around the world. You can be part of this story. Help us open a door for the next person who needs a place to walk into.

Have You Heard of Townhouse? A Much-Needed Community in Crown Heights

It didn’t start with a grand plan. There was no strategic road map or long-term vision. There was just that familiar question as Rosh Hashanah approached, asked over and over again by the young people of Crown Heights. Where will we daven?

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