On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered what would become one of the most influential speeches in history, proclaiming to the world, “I have a dream.” Created in honor of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, use this guide to bring together people in your communities and networks for Shabbat dinner + discussion. In partnership with ADL and the National Urban League, the March: Forward Shabbat Dinner Guide is a starting point for a meaningful dinner and constructive dialogue with a plurality of perspectives.

In Jewish tradition, the world is created in an evolution of seven days: six days of work that culminate in the seventh day, Shabbat, a day of rest. Shabbat is not a postscript, it is as important a part of bringing the world into being as any of the days of active creativity. Judaism teaches that we, human beings, are responsible for continuing the work of creation to make the world a better place, day after day, week after week. The essence of Shabbat isn’t what we can’t do on this one day, it’s what we can do on the other six if we take the time to end our week with intention on Friday night.

In building community through the ritual of Shabbat dinner, Hachnasat Orchim, or welcoming guests, is one of the most important practices. At OneTable, we express hospitality, welcoming guests or graciously being welcomed while honoring the essential value in all human beings (kavod ha’briot).

Shabbat dinner is an opportunity to be in community and learn from and with one another. We invite you to join us by gathering people in your communities and networks for a dinner to engage in constructive dialogue with a plurality of perspectives, to address deep, painful divides in our communities, and to consider the role we can play in strengthening civil discourse and society. Use this guide as a starting point for a March: Forward dinner filled with meaning.