January 31, 2025
Shabbat Across Atlanta

On Friday, January 31, more than 172 hosts welcomed more than 2,000 family members, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Shabbat Across Atlanta. This inaugural community-wide initiative, organized by OneTable in partnership with more than 50 local synagogues and Jewish organizations, brought together Atlanta’s Jewish community to foster deeper connections to Shabbat and community.

Shabbat Across Atlanta was made possible by OneTable, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Rabbinical Association, Zalik Foundation, and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

Read more in the Shabbat Across Atlanta press release and in the Atlanta Jewish Times.

Step 1
Create an Account
Sign up on the OneTable Shabbat platform that's best for you: ages 21-39 and ages 40+.
Step 2
Sign Up to Host
Submit a brief host application to share a little bit about yourself.
Step 3
Post Your Dinner
Create a Shabbat dinner that feels authentic and elevated, and invite your friends to RSVP.

Shabbat Dinner Hosting Details
Who can sign up to host a dinner?

Anyone (ages 21+) in the greater Atlanta area can sign up and post a Shabbat dinner on the platforms: hosts ages 21-39 and hosts ages 40+.

Why should I post my dinner on the OneTable platform?
  • We want to celebrate the power and magic of this sacred moment in Atlanta.
  • The first 100 hosts will receive a special gift and a $50 gift card to help elevate your Shabbat dinner. (Hosts who are in their 20s and 30s are eligible for additional Nourishment based on guest RSVPs.)
  • You’ll receive helpful resources and inspiration to elevate the experience, including an Atlanta-themed Shabbat ritual reflections guide, tips for welcoming guests, and fun ideas to make it memorable.
Who can come to my Shabbat dinner?
  • You choose who is at your Shabbat dinner table, you can have as many or as few people as you’d like, all ages are welcome. You can host your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you want!
  • On the platform, you can make it “Private” on or “Host Approval” and welcome new guests to your table. (Private: The dinner page and details can only be viewed if someone has the direct link to RSVP. Host Approval: Anyone can view your dinner to request a seat, the address is hidden by default, and you will be able to approve/accept guests.)
What does my Shabbat dinner have to look like?
  • You decide how formal or casual it is, what to serve, and how to elevate your Shabbat dinner with Friday night rituals.
  • We encourage you to elevate it beyond what you normally would do on a Friday evening to make it special.
  • We hope you will explore how you can capture the essence of Shabbat, however that feels most meaningful to you.
How can I learn more about Shabbat?
  • You’re invited to a variety of Shabbat workshops across the city to explore the rich history and spiritual significance of Shabbat Rituals.
  • Explore the OneTable resource library for more ideas and inspiration.
What if I'm not ready to host?
Who can I contact for additional questions or technical support?

The Shabbat Across Atlanta dinner guide is about finding yourself in Shabbat. Throughout it, you'll find introductions for each Friday night ritual, blessings in Hebrew and English, and reflections from Atlanta community leaders. We know that each family, group of friends, and Shabbat table looks a little different, each bringing their own flair to Shabbat practice. We hope you use this guide as enrichment and inspiration while holding on to the unique qualities that make your Shabbat dinner yours.

>> Download the Shabbat Dinner Guide

Shabbat Ritual Workshops
Sip, Savor, & Sanctify

Tuesday, January 14, at 7 PM
Inman Park

Join us for a chic evening of wine tasting and discovery as we explore the ancient Jewish ritual of wine and Kiddush in a fun, modern way. Taste a curated selection of wines, learn about their connection to Shabbat traditions, and connect with others over delicious flavors and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just curious, this event for 20s and 30s is all about blending culture, community, and connection.

Zoom Into Shabbat

Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 PM
Online via Zoom

Join us for an engaging and accessible virtual learning experience with the inspiring Rabbi Lauren Henderson! Together, we’ll explore the deeper meaning of Shabbat as a sacred time and uncover the purpose behind its beautiful rituals with thoughtful insights and practical takeaways to elevate your Friday night experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect from the comfort of your home!

Melodies of Shabbat

Saturday, January 18, at 6 PM
Brookhaven

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Shabbat with Rabbi Ariel Wolpe from Ma’alot! A niggun is a Jewish, traditional, wordless melody or tune. This event focuses on learning and singing Friday night Shabbat blessings, exploring new melodies to elevate your own celebrations. Through music, we’ll create a sacred space together, inspiring joy, connection, and meaning to share at your future Shabbat dinners.

Shabbat Glow Getters

Tuesday, January 21, at 7 PM
Virginia Highland at Shearith Israel

Illuminate your Shabbat and join PJ Library Intown for a hands-on dipped candle-making workshop paired with a meaningful learning experience led by Rabbi David Helfand. Together, we’ll explore the rich history and spiritual significance of lighting Shabbat candles, uncovering how this ritual brings light, peace, and intention into our homes and hearts.

Shabbat Glow Getters

Thursday, January 23, at 7 PM
Dunwoody at the Spruill Center for the Arts

Illuminate your Shabbat and join us for a hands-on dipped candle-making workshop paired with a meaningful learning experience led by Batsheva Gelbtuch from Jewish Women’s Connection. Together, we’ll explore the rich history and spiritual significance of lighting Shabbat candles, uncovering how this ritual brings light, peace, and intention into our homes and hearts.

Shabbat Makerspace

Sunday, January 26, at 12 PM
Sandy Springs at The Weber School

Join us in the innovative Daniel Zalik Academy Lab for a unique workshop exploring the deeper meaning of a Shabbat ritual when we transition from the workweek into Shabbat. Together with Linda Parmet and Weber’s educational team, you’ll have the chance to design and personalize a meaningful ritual object to elevate your Shabbat experience. (Space is limited and priority registration will be given to people who have signed up to host a Shabbat dinner on January 31.)

Braiding Traditions

Tuesday, January 28, at 5:30 PM
East Cobb at Congregation Etz Chaim

Join us for a hands-on challah-making experience! Learn about the significance of eating challah on Shabbat and the deeper purpose this ritual serves. We’ll learn challah baking tips and tricks from experts Vicky Savrin (Cafe Rivkah) and Michal Brand (Brand Bakes) and you’ll get to braid your own challah. Together, we’ll explore the Jewish traditions of challah and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends, inspiring meaningful connections and sacred moments.

Leil Shishi

Thursday, January 30, at 8 PM
Toco Hills at Ohr HaTorah

Join us for Leil Shishi, the ultimate pre-Shabbat experience! Dive deep into the beauty and meaning of Shabbat rituals with a thought-provoking session led by Rabbi Starr, while enjoying a delicious sampling of classic Shabbat dishes. This Thursday evening gathering blends learning and culinary delights, offering a meaningful and mouthwatering taste of Shabbat before it begins.

Why Shabbat Across Atlanta?

Inspire Joyful Shabbat Practice: Encourage people who may not regularly celebrate Shabbat to embrace the tradition by hosting or finding a meaningful and joyful Shabbat dinner.

Strengthen Jewish Community Bonds: Use this shared Shabbat experience to foster deeper connections and relationships within Jewish Atlanta, bringing together diverse participants across the city.

Deepen Connections in Atlanta: Strengthen relationships within the Jewish community by connecting over the beauty of Shabbat rituals and traditions.

About OneTable
In collaboration with OneTable and supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Marcus Jewish Community Center, Atlanta Rabbinical Association, and dozens of synagogues and community organizations, Shabbat Across Atlanta will help the community build lasting connections—far beyond the Shabbat dinner table.

Inspired by ancient Jewish wisdom, OneTable is a national non-profit that empowers folks to find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners, making the most of their Friday nights. Our social dining platform makes it easy for you to create your own experiences and build your community.
Steering Committee
Community Partners