JYN reaches more than 1,000 youth every week and thousands throughout the year through education, social programs, scholarships, subsidies and Chesed.
Behind it all is a special group of alumni, parents, grandparents, friends and supporters who choose to stand with JYN every month. They don’t only show up for a campaign or special event — they make JYN part of their regular giving because they believe in what we do and want to help us keep doing it.
They are the JYN Chai Club.
Become a JYN Partner
Joining is simple. Choose a monthly amount in a multiple of Chai — $18, $36, $54, $180, $360, $1,800 or any amount that is meaningful to you — and your contribution is processed automatically each month. Some members begin at $18. Others give $180, $1,800 or more. Choose the amount that works for you and become one of the people JYN knows it can count on.
In Hebrew, Chai — חי — means life, and its numerical value is 18. That is why gifts in multiples of 18 have long held special meaning in Jewish tradition.
At JYN, Chai represents exactly what we are working to build: Jewish life, connection, friendship, opportunity and a strong Jewish future.
We like to think of JYN as one of those monthly charges you are actually proud to see. The phone bill. The coffee run. And JYN — a little reminder that every month, you are helping make something meaningful happen.
Chai also has a special place in the story of JYN. The Chai sculpture at the JYN Robbins Family Campus was created in tribute to Zaidy Larry Robbins, whose vision and generosity helped make the campus possible. Larry has long incorporated Chai numbers into his philanthropy and business life, making Chai a fitting symbol of his commitment to JYN, Jewish life and the next generation.
Today, the Chai represents life, continuity and the strength of the community we are building together.
Every Chai Club member receives a complimentary JYN Chai necklace as a symbol of belonging to this special group. Wear it with pride — and as a reminder that you are helping strengthen Jewish life every single month.
Every donation to JYN matters, whether it supports a special campaign, event, scholarship or urgent need. The Chai Club is something different. It is a group of people saying, “You can count on me — not just today, but throughout the year.” That dependable monthly support helps JYN plan, grow and keep showing up for our youth month after month. We like to think of it as one of those monthly charges you are actually proud to see: Phone bill. Coffee. JYN. A small reminder every month that you are part of something meaningful and helping JYN keep doing what we do.
You choose the amount that works for your own charitable goals. Chai Club contributions are traditionally made in multiples of $18. We have young alumni who begin at $18 a month and gradually increase their giving as they grow in life and career. We also have families and friends giving $54, $180, $360 and beyond, and partners contributing $1,800 a month or more. There is no amount that is too small to belong. $18 every month is meaningful. At the same time, we encourage those who are able to think generously about the level of impact they would like to have. Choose a level that feels right for you today. You can always grow from there.
It means you are part of a community of people who have made JYN one of the causes they support consistently. When JYN plans the next class, Shabbaton, Chesed project, scholarship, trip, youth program or new idea, there is a dependable group of partners standing behind us. And hopefully, it also means feeling a little bit of pride every month when you see JYN appear on your statement, because you know exactly what you are part of.
Yes, although for us, Chai Club recognition is about belonging rather than simply having your name on a list. Every member receives a complimentary JYN Chai necklace, along with special Chai Club recognition, gifts and member touches throughout the year. But we hope the greatest benefit is something that cannot be mailed or engraved: the pride of knowing that you are one of the people helping sustain JYN every month.
Absolutely. If there is a JYN program or area that is especially meaningful to you, you are welcome to designate your monthly partnership toward it. You can also leave your gift unrestricted, and Rabbi Shmuli will make sure your contribution is directed where it can have the greatest impact at JYN. Either way, your monthly support strengthens our ability to serve Jewish youth.
Of course. Your Chai Club commitment should be able to grow and change with you. You can increase, decrease or adjust your monthly contribution whenever needed. Some members begin at one level and gradually increase their Chai Club giving over the years, while others adjust their giving as circumstances change. The important thing is beginning the partnership with an amount that feels meaningful and comfortable for you today.
Chai (חי) is the Hebrew word for life. In Hebrew, every letter also has a numerical value: chet (ח) = 8 and yud (י) = 10, making Chai equal to 18. That connection between 18 and life has made Chai one of the most recognized symbols of Jewish giving, blessing and continuity. At JYN, Chai has taken on an even deeper meaning. It connects Jewish tradition, our mission of investing in the next generation, and the legacy of Zaidy Larry Robbins, who has long used Chai numbers in his philanthropy and support of JYN.
1. The Lubavitcher Rebbe recommended giving tzedakah (charity) in multiples of 18.
2. The numerical value of Chai (חי), meaning “life,” is 18.
3. All of Larry Robbins donations to JYN are in multiples of Chai.
4. “Aiming for Chai in prices, addresses, and enumerations is good business practice.” — Larry Robbins
5. JYN’s address, 9135 Bathurst Street, adds up to 18.
6. Our Patriarchs—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov—are mentioned together 18 times in the Torah.
7. G-d addressed Moshe and Aharon together 18 times.
8. The Amidah prayer which means ‘eighteen’ originally contained 18 blessings.
9. G-d’s name appears 18 times in the Shema prayer.
10. The human spine consists of 18 vertebrae.
11. The Mishnah considers 18 the ideal age for marriage.
12. Tzedakah is traditionally given in sums of 18.
13. The Baal Shem Tov encouraged giving tzedakah in multiples of 18.
14. By giving tzedakah in multiples of 18, we petition G-d for life.
15. Shabbat candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset.
16. “Am Yisroel Chai” means “The Jewish nation is alive.”
17. The 18th of Elul marks the birth of the Chabad movement.
18. L’Chaim! — To life!
Choose a monthly amount in multiples of $18 and invest in a vibrant future for Jewish youth.
Thank you for partaking in dedicating Marky’s Music Room.
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