Join us in welcoming the newest member of the OneTable team, Sara Fatell, our National Hub Manager. Did you know you can host or attend a dinner anywhere across the country? Explore dinners now!

What brought you to OneTable?

I’ve spent the last 10 years in Washington, DC where I have worn many hats from political organizer to fundraiser and, most recently, chef and bakery owner. So when I heard about an opportunity to join the OneTable team, I was thrilled to be able to combine my passion for food and organizing with my Jewish identity and love of building community. I have always found Shabbat to be a great way to take pause and celebrate the little victories of the past week made sweeter with good wine, good friends, and good food.

Favorite Food?

Just one favorite- that’s not fair! I’m gonna pick three, the first being cheese…in any form, really. And ice cream, too. Despite my January birthday, I wanted an ice cream cake every year. Lastly, it’s gotta be chocolate. Dark, salted, with caramel, mint, or my favorite combo- peanut butter!

What’s your vision for OneTable’s growth across the country?

I’m excited to see shabbat become a practice for folks all over the country. I love the idea of hosts opening their homes and sharing a meal and an evening with friends, new and old. Making shabbat a practice of your own can be so empowering. Whether continuing traditions from childhood or adding in new rituals, readings, or songs to the practice, I know everyone can make Shabbat happen in their own special way and I look forward to seeing what that looks like from coast to coast.

Coolest Friday night dinner spot-Go.

Wherever the wine is flowing, the atmosphere chill, and the food plentiful. Good music and good friends help too. In DC I love the Red Hen. In Philly it’s gotta be Abe Fischer. I can’t wait to find more cool places in a city or town near you!

When you’re not at work, what are you doing?

Hosting, cooking, puppy parenting, planning parties, dinners and upcoming adventures. I love scoping out the best pastries in town, along with a good cup of coffee. A slow Sunday morning with my boo and the crossword puzzle is a sure bet.

Where are you most excited to travel for OneTable?

I love the feel of a small town in a big city so I’m looking forward to exploring the different neighborhoods of Miami, LA, and Boston. But the charm of a smaller city is not lost on me so I hope to venture to places like Savannah, Birmingham, Kansas City, San Diego, and more.

What does Shabbat mean to you?

Growing up my parents said we could do whatever we wanted with our Friday nights, but we must be home for Shabbat dinner and we could of course bring our friends. This was a great way for us all to connect after a busy week and likely for my parents to keep tabs on us. We always broke the traditional rules of etiquette and discussed money, politics, and religion at the dinner table. Now as I make my own traditions, I find the conversations around my Shabbat dinner table are much of the same. I strive to acknowledge and embrace the intersectionality of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender presentation, class, and politics at the table with my friends and community. As I build my life together with my fiance, it’s important to us both to be intentional and welcome new practices and people into our home.

Want to connect with Sara and learn more? Send her a welcome email at Sara@onetable.org.