The Shabbat Project is Back!
It improves our quality of life beyond measure, transforms our families and relationships, takes us to a new elevated plane of living. More than just a day of rest, it empowers us to be the best version of ourselves. And it has the power to bring Jews together like nothing else can.
This has been the driving vision of the Shabbat Project since it was introduced in South Africa in 2013. And it’s the reason why Jews, all over the world, of all backgrounds, remain drawn to it.
Now, with the pandemic finally behind us, there is a sense that this year’s Shabbat Project is going to be the biggest yet. There is a real thirst for in-person events and real human connection – and the Shabbat Project is primed to be at the very center of that: a direct response to the call of our times, a chance to re-energize and reconnect, and come together in celebration.
Here’s to Keeping it Together!
Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein
How do I take part in the Shabbat Project?
Not sure how? See your handy guide to keeping Shabbat.
You can also participate in one of many thousands of community, city-wide and home events taking place worldwide.
Or better yet – lead from the front and organize your own event, no matter how big or small.
Join thousands of trailblazing volunteer partners in every corner of the globe bringing the Shabbat Project to their communities. It could be a city-wide challah bake or havdallah concert, or a Friday night dinner or Shabbat street lunch. Invite your neighbors, your friends and family. Approach your synagogue, school or community center.
Whatever you decide, let us know. Our partner support team are on hand to guide you and assist you every step of the way. Contact our partner team
To promote your home/community/city event or add color to the occasion, we have an array of exciting downloadable resources.
The gift of Shabbat
Shabbat is the Divine gift we need to thrive in today’s frenzied world. It gives us the opportunity to improve our quality of life; to be happier and more fulfilled as individuals, and to nurture our precious relationships. It gives us the time and space we need to breathe; to strengthen our faith and our family, and find meaning and purpose; to create a home environment that will inspire our children to opt into a Jewish future.
Join the founder of the Shabbat Project, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, on a journey to explore how the practical aspects of the day – what we do and refrain from doing – create an immersive, uniquely enriching experience. Learn how the restrictions paradoxically liberate us, creating a space we fill with meaningful moments. Discover how, amidst the challenges of the 21st century, keeping Shabbat in accordance with its original Divine formula brings us the gifts of joy, meaning and connection.
Your guide to keeping Shabbat
Keeping Shabbat is accessible to anyone. Even if you’re a first-timer. To make it as simple and enjoyable as possible, Shabbat Project co-founder Gina Goldstein has put together a handy personal guide to keeping Shabbat.
This practical, user-friendly guide empowers you to prepare yourself and your family to keep Shabbat fully. It also includes useful tips for making the most of the day and ensuring your family have the best possible experience.
Discover how the practical aspects of the day, curated by its original Divine formula – what we do and refrain from doing – create an immersive, uniquely enriching experience.
This guide will give you the freedom and peace of mind to enjoy Shabbat the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Your Shabbat table toolkit
From the candle-lighting that so serenely ushers in Shabbat, and the special words of Kiddush sanctifying the day, to the hearty companionship of the three meals, and the final, moving moments of Havdalah, Shabbat involves a number of carefully choreographed practices that make the day meaningful and special.
We’ve created a series of cards with practical guidelines and simple “how to” steps for the various Shabbat practices, as well as easy-to-read text of all the blessings and prayers.
What is the Shabbat Project?
The Shabbat Project is an international grassroots movement that brings together Jews from all walks of life and all levels of observance to keep one Shabbat, celebrated in a spirit of global Jewish unity. First launched in South Africa in 2013, the Shabbat Project has, through a team of trailblazing volunteer partners, spread to over 1500 cities and 100 countries.
The concept is simple: Jews from across the spectrum – religious, secular and traditional, young and old, from all corners of the world – unite to experience one full Shabbat together.
The Shabbat Project is about creating a new Jewish future based on Jewish unity, pride and values. The Shabbat Project transcends the barriers that seem to separate us. It is our opportunity to rejuvenate family and community life, restore Jewish pride and identity, and strengthen Jewish unity across the globe.
This year’s Shabbat Project takes place on the Shabbat of 3-4 November 2023 – Parshat Vayeira
Languages
Partner Countries
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Participants
- 1. Together we will keep this Shabbat from sundown to stars out.
- 2. We will keep it in its entirety, in all its halachic detail and splendor as it has been kept throughout the ages.
- 3. Its rhythm will unite us with each other, with Jews around the world and throughout the ages.
- 4. On this day we will create a warm and loving space, holding our families together.
- 5. On this day we will lay down the burdens, distractions, demands and pressures of daily life.
- 6. On this day we will renew ourselves, emerging spiritually, emotionally, and physically invigorated.
- 7. On this day we will own our precious heritage, wearing it as a badge of pride and honor.
- 8. Together we embark on this great adventure to rediscover our God-given gift of Shabbat.
A new book about Shabbat from the founder of the Shabbat Project!
In honor of this year’s Shabbat Project founder Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein is launching a new book:
Building Character, Shaping Perspectives and Finding Happiness through Shabbat.
A Day to Create Yourself offers a completely fresh perspective on Shabbat, exploring the ways in which Shabbat is more than just a day of rest – that it is a day that completely transforms us. Discover how Shabbat can unleash personal and societal renewal, offers us a recipe for happiness in an increasingly complex world, and gives us the tools to create the best version of ourselves.
To make the book accessible to everyone, A Day to Create Yourself is being published, printed and distributed as a non-profit initiative, and sold at cost price.
The Shabbat Project is a people’s movement. In that spirit – and as a great way to share the gift of Shabbat with family and friends and community – when you buy the book we will send a gift copy of the book to anyone you choose.
