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PortugueseThe Shabbos Project was a successful, spiritually uplifting event worldwide. Thousands upon thousands of Jews were inspired by an authentic Jewish Sabbath experience.
Jerusalem and other Israeli cities hosted several exciting events this past Shabbat, October 24-25, for The Shabbos Project, an international event hosting Jews from 170 cities and more than 1,000 communities worldwide to experience the beauty of the Sabbath.
Originating in South Africa as a groundbreaking initiative of South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, communities around the world participated in The Shabbos Project, calling on people to keep this one sacred day in its entirety and connect with the worldwide community.
The program began on Thursday evening with a massive international Challah-breaking event. Jerusalem – the eternal capital of the Jewish People – hosted the “Great Big Jerusalem Challah Bake” to help prepare for Shabbat in the spirit of unity, featuring celebrity chef and author Jamie Geller.
Hosted and sponsored by JICNY (Jewish International Connection of New York), Jerusalem Interactive, The First station, Fun in Jerusalem, One Family Fund and Lisa’s List, the event taking place at Jerusalem’s First Station was pulled together by Jodi Samuels, a recent immigrant to Israel, community activist and entrepreneur.
“It’s a thrill to be a part of and help put together an event that is unifying the worldwide Jewish community, in the center of the Jewish world,” said Samuels.
“Preparing the challah for Shabbat is known to be a time of reflection and devotion to the Jewish faith and tradition,” said Jamie Geller, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of the Kosher Media Network. Geller, a resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh, made aliyah (immigration to Israel) recently from the U.S.
“What an amazing experience this will be together with hundreds of other women from all backgrounds, coming together to perform this mitzvah (Torah commandment),” Geller said.
Communal Meals, Prayer and Musical Programs Enhance Spirituality
Enthusiasm for The Shabbos Project was electric. In Beit Shemesh, close to 1,000 women baked challah together on Thursday evening under the spiritual guidance of educator Orit Esther Riter. Community activist Yehudis Schamroth, who organized the event, said the turnout “way exceeded any expectations. I was just delighted to see so much interest.”
The weekend included festive communal meals, prayer services, sing-alongs, concerts and Havdalah (ending-of-Sabbath) ceremonies.
Outside of Israel: According to sources at Shabbat.com, Toronto is a “superstar city.” At least 2,500 participated in the challah-baking event. A number of people reported having received as many as 20 invitations from potential hosts.
Author: United with Israel Staff
See link to Havdalah service in Raanana, near Tel Aviv:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152373115947212&set=p.10152373115947212&type=2&theater
Challah-baking in Beit Shemesh:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=538412372959453&set=vb.126704634130231&type=2&theater
Toronto unity concert after the Sabbath and Havdallah ceremony. See what a Jewish mosh pit looks like!
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1542373902643157&set=vb.1492419494305265&type=2&theater
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