Frequently Asked Questions

General:

Who is OneTable for?

  • Different communities have different needs. The OneTable host and guest community is primarily made up of people in their 20s and 30s. We have tailored our support to work best for those who are between 21-39ish and not in undergraduate programs. If you’re an undergraduate student of a nontraditional age (23+), you’re welcome to host and attend OneTable dinners!
  • No one under 21 can attend OneTable dinners.
  • OneTable is uber-inclusive. At OneTable, we want you to spend Friday night with the people who YOU want to spend your Friday night with – guests of any and all religions and cultures are welcome.
  • If you don’t identify in our demographic, please contact your city’s Field Manager and we can help you find organizations and initiatives with resources that are right for you.

I have specific accommodation needs, can I attend/host a dinner?

Every single person has something they need to make them feel welcome, supported, and capable of engaging in Shabbat dinner. We encourage hosts to give their guests all the information they might need about accessibility at their tables before the meal.

If you have specific needs or wants that would make it possible for you to host – please get in touch with us: hello@onetable.org

Can organizations use the OneTable platform?

  • There are many ways to partner with us and we’re interested in hearing from you with additional ideas for collaboration. Take a look at these suggestions or reach out for more info.

    Organizations who have a formal partnership with OneTable may use their name and/or logo in the dinner title or in the banner image. For all other organizations who do not yet have a partnership, you may include the organization name in the dinner description and access the searchable “tag” function .

    Please note, organizations without formal partnerships will be asked to change dinner titles in accordance with this policy.

    Get more info on organizational partnerships or email MJ Kurs-Lasky at mj@onetable.org with any questions.

Does OneTable only support Friday night dinners?

Yes, only Friday night Shabbat dinners.

How often can I host?

You can host and receive Nourishment as often as once a week! For super active hosts we encourage you to make your dinners “Host Approval” instead of “Private” so you can bring more guests into the OneTable community. We’ve also launched a potluck/collaborative feature on our platform to make hosting regularly even more possible.

I've recently moved cities, can I still host Shabbat with OneTable? Who is my new Field Manager?

Shabbat is portable! You can Shabbat with OneTable anywhere in the United States. Meet and reach out to your new Field Manager here.

What is OneTable's Statement of Welcoming/Non-Discrimination Policy?

Inclusive Community (Kvod Ha’briot)

At OneTable, we foster a climate of purposeful inclusion, an environment where all can feel safe, valued, and given an opportunity to form meaningful connections with each other. We cherish the diversity of humanity, which includes all styles of Jewish practice as equally valid and honored, and all are welcome regardless of ability, religion, ethnicity, race, social or economic status, or sexual or gender identity. While Shabbat offers quiet meditative moments, Shabbat dinner is an essential social gathering. We cherish the differences among the Jewish people, and OneTable provides support that allows for the practice of ritual according to varying interpretations and understandings. Every Jewish person and Shabbat dinner attendee is unique; we all celebrate Shabbat differently. Learn about our Core Values here.

Can I host a political dinner?

OneTable supports civic engagement and encourages you to bring the joy of Shabbat dinner to educate your friends and family about the causes you care about. However as a 501c3 charity, OneTable resources cannot be used for any political activity for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a public election or to support or oppose a political party or candidate running for public office.

Can I host a fundraiser for another organization on OneTable?

  • OneTable ticket sales cannot be used to fundraise for other organizations – because of our own limitations as a 501 (c) 3, dinner titles and descriptions on the platform cannot openly discuss fundraising for another charity or nonprofit, and we cannot provide Nourishment toward dinners of this nature.

Can multiple hosts residing in the same organizationally sponsored living space receive nourishment more than once per month?

  • If multiple hosts reside in organizationally sponsored living (i.e.: rent is fully or partially subsidized by another organization), then OneTable will provide nourishment to the house/apartment at a maximum of once a month. If the once-a-month nourishment has already been allocated, we welcome these hosts to utilize the potluck feature for other Shabbat dinners during that month.


Can I host a Shabbat lunch?

Though we love that you are having Shabbat lunch, we are in the Friday night Shabbat dinner business. We can only support Shabbat dinners.

Will you share my data?

Please see our Privacy Policy for the full terms and agreements.

We use your Personal Information to provide the our support, complete your transactions, and administer your inquiries.

We may ask for your credit card number and other Billing Information in order to process some of your transactions through the Platform.

We may use your information to improve the quality and value of the Platform and to analyze and understand how the Platform is used.

We also use your Personal Information to contact you with OneTable news, marketing or promotional materials and other information that may be of interest to you. If you decide at any time that you no longer wish to receive such communications from us, you may unsubscribe by replying “Unsubscribe” to those emails.

Please note that we may also use your Personal Information to contact you with information related to your use of the Service; you may not opt out of these notifications.

We may also share your Personal Information for pedagogical purposes with third parties (including partner organizations), and you may be contacted by such third parties for additional information; if you do not want your personal information shared with such third parties, please contact us at help @OneTable.org or your local Field Manager.

We reserve the right to require address confirmation for Dinners included in Listings.

Where can I read the Code of Conduct?

Where can I read the full Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy?

Using the OneTable Dinner Platform:

Should I register to host even though I'm not ready to "Create a Dinner" on the platform?

YES! If you know that you’d like to host Shabbat at some point with OneTable, register now! The more you plan ahead, the more helpful OneTable can be. You can log back into the platform whenever you’re ready to host a dinner!

When should I post my dinner?

  • While you can always post as far in advance as you like, we recommend that you post your dinner at least one (1) week in advance.
  • At the latest, you will need to post your dinner by Tuesday at 11:59 pm local time in order to receive OneTable Nourishment for the same week.
    • If you want to use your Nourishment for places like Etsy, ModernTribe, or other options that have longer shipping windows, you must post your dinner and request these Nourishment options at least two (2) weeks in advance.

Do my guests need to register through the platform?

Yes, all guests must RSVP on the OneTable platform for many reasons. For one, this allows us to generate numbers and determine OneTable’s growth. This helps us when raising money, as well as to show our funders. They will not be spammed and their emails will not be sold, we just do this so we can continue to grow and provide the best support possible.

How do I invite guests?

You can invite your guests by going to manage dinners→ actions→ manage guests. There, you can either email your guests through the platform, add guests from previous events, or copy and paste the link to send to your guests via a personal email, Facebook, whatever works best for the host.

How do privacy settings work? What is the difference between a public, public - host approval, and a private dinner?

    • A public dinner means anyone in the OneTable community can sign up to attend. The location is public. Everyone is an automatic “yes.” 
    • A public – host approval means that you manage your dinner’s RSVPs. While the description of the Shabbat dinner is public, only guests that you approve will be given the full details about your dinner (time, address, other guests, etc). You will receive the name and email of everybody who requests a seat so you can communicate with them to determine if the Shabbat dinner you’ve planned is the right fit. If you feel you need to decline a guest, you can do so through our platform (there’s even a space to send them a message). Your Field Manager is available if you need guidance with this.
    • A private dinner is for when you are hosting a specific group of people and do not have room for others to join. This might be a Shabbat-birthday party, a Shabbat-reunion, or the like. Only guests you invite can see you post and attend your dinner. No information about your dinner is available on the platform to guests who have not been invited.

OneTable Nourishment Options:

How often can I host?

You are welcome to host, or co-host, a OneTable Shabbat dinner every Friday night and be eligible for Nourishment Credit!

What do you mean by Nourishment? How do I get it?

    • It’s a resource OneTable is able to offer to those hosts who need a little extra help to elevate their dinners. It is not meant to cover the full cost of the dinner. It comes in the form of digital gift cards. Our options are businesses that give us discounts on their services. If you do not need this assistance, you can choose to “pay it forward” and it will help another host bring more Shabbat into their life!
    • Nourishment Credit is a pre-imbursement. You’ll receive an online gift card or coupon code to use at any of the vendors we partner with.
    • When you create your dinner on the platform, you can select where you would like to use your Nourishment (for example: Instacart, Whole Foods, Seamless, etc.).
    • Our Nourishment team will confirm your choice and email you your Nourishment Credit (e-gift card/code) the week of your dinner.
    • NOTE: If you want to use your Nourishment for places like ModernTribe, or other options that have longer shipping windows, you must post your dinner and request these Nourishment Options at least two (2) weeks in advance.

When do I have to select Nourishment? When do I need RSVPs?

  1. Have your dinner posted and your Nourishment selected by Tuesday at 11:59pm local time the week of your dinner. You must select your Nourishment by Tuesday evening at midnight local time to be Nourished for that week.
  2. Make sure your RSVPs are in by Wednesday at 11:59pm local timeWe send Nourishment for each person (up to 10) that has RSVPed through OneTable by Wednesday at 11:59pm, not based on your expected guest count.
  3. Your Nourishment Gift will be sent to your email by the end of the day on Thursday! Don’t see it? Check your spam, then email your Field Manager.
  4. Enjoy! Note: some Nourishment is sent on Fridays if we’re waiting to hear back from you.

As a OneTable host, how much Nourishment will I receive per dinner?

    • We provide Nourishment credit of $10 per person who RSVPs to your dinner on the OneTable platform — up to $100 total per dinner. You are encouraged to invite as many people as you like!
    • Nourishment is meant to assist in creating your dinner. We understand it might not cover all expenses for the night, but we believe OneTable can help elevate your meal. Consider asking friends to help out by bringing wine, flowers, challah, etc.
    • In order to receive Nourishment, your dinner must be posted no later than the Tuesday night before your dinner. You must also select your Nourishment by Tuesday evening at midnight local time. You will be Nourished for the number of guests who are RSVPd by Wednesday at 11:59 local time.
      • If you don’t use all of the Nourishment you’re sent, we ask that you send the remainder back to OneTable so we can pay-it-forward for another Shabbat dinner.

OneTable’s Nourishment options look cool but I want to order from a restaurant.

    • Nourishment Credits are available to restaurants in some Hubs, please contact your Field Manager.

Can I get Nourishment Credits to anywhere I want?

Nourishment Credits come in the form of either a digital gift card, or of goods emailed directly to you. Nourishment is a form of “preimbursement” rather than reimbursement. We ask the host how many guests they plan to have, and set them up with a gift code to one of our Nourishment Partners for $10-15 per person up to $100-150. Nourishment Partners work with us to keep costs low, as we are a nonprofit and rely on community support.

How does my business become a Nourishment Partner?

OneTable’s Nourishment Partners feature their services to our network of over 110,000 millennials in the United States in exchange for a discount to their business. Interested in reaching thousands of hosts and guests every Friday night? Reach out to OneTable’s Director of Marketing Al Rosenberg to set up a call.

Can I get a reimbursement instead of Nourishment?

OneTable does not reimburse. Our pre-imbursement through Nourishment gift cards means that you can skip saving receipts. Instead, providing online gift cards to you before Shabbat allows you to shop stress free, as well as maintain a budget and plan ahead. Then, once your Shabbat dinner is over, you only have to worry about doing the dishes (unless you chose take-out!)

I was told you sent my Nourishment but I can’t find it.

Sometimes, the Nourishment goes straight to spam. Make sure you check your Spam folder before contacting OneTable.

I am having trouble redeeming my online gift card.

We’re sorry to hear that! Please contact the gift card company’s customer service.

What do I do with my extra Nourishment?

We ask that hosts donate it back to pay it forward to support another OneTable meal.

Dinner Conversations and Next Steps:

Do I need to do anything special at the dinner?

Shabbat dinner is special, and we hope that you’ll consider ways to set a specific intention for the space you are creating. Rituals (like candle lighting, a blessing over the wine, and having challah) are some meaningful ways to elevate Friday night. Your Field Manager is the best person to talk with about ritual, and ways you can create intention whether traditional or unique to you.

What do I do after my dinner?

Let us know how it went and/or send photos if you have them. If you choose to post about your dinner, tag us on social media (#myonetable). We love hearing about all of your awesome dinners! Plus you get to #humblebrag.

Does OneTable have any programs outside of Shabbat dinners?

Yes! Stay tuned on our Facebook page, newsletters (aka the “SideDish”), and platform to hear about our partner and Nosh:pitality events!

What's a Nosh:pitality?

A Nosh:pitality is a OneTable in-person gathering in our major cities (Atlanta, Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Denver, D.C. Metro Area, Los Angeles, Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor, NYC, Pittsburgh, Portland). Field Managers create events that focus on the art of hospitality such as cocktail mixology, challah baking, and cooking, and Jewish learning. These events are a chance to meet other hosts and coaches in your city, and learn rockstar hosting skills to bring to your next dinner.

Have a Nosh:pitality event you might want to see? Let your Field Manager know!

When should I prepare?

We suggest prepping as much as possible the day or days before. Check out our resources for recipe ideas and get in touch with your Field Manager for more ideas and support!

Do I need to send in photos/receipts/etc after my dinner?

No, but we love to see photos and hear details! Your Field Manager will follow up on Monday to ask how the meal went and will ask for details and photos. We will also send you a survey in the weeks after your meal to get valuable feedback on how we can improve our systems!

Still have questions? Email help@onetable.org.