Measuring Impact

Everything we do at OneTable is informed by data. It is crucial to our mission that each person feels respected. This applies not only to the Shabbat dinner table, but in how we conduct our research. We ask questions to learn more about who participants are, what they’re looking for from OneTable, and how we support their Jewish identity and community building.

Our Impact Report
Contact our Director, Learning + Impact
Current Research

A new research project supported by Templeton World Charity Foundation will explore the impact of Shabbat dinner as a spiritual exercise to promote flourishing. The project, led by CASJE (Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education) at George Washington University, is a partnership with OneTable, a national nonprofit that empowers young adults to find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners. The research is also supported by the Jim Joseph Foundation and the BeWell Initiative at Jewish Federations of North America. CASJE Managing Director Arielle Levites, Ph.D., leads the research team.

The study’s focus on social connection honors the collectivist nature of Judaism, seeking to understand how Jewish practice can promote not only individual but also, group flourishing. The research team completed data collection via experimental and observational studies in July 2024. Currently, we are in the process of analyzing the data and early analysis. 

The study’s key findings will be shared widely when completed in 2025, particularly with mental health and community-engagement oriented organizations, leaders of interfaith organizations, and leaders of civic organizations that build connections across neighborhoods and cities.

The world has changed since October 7, 2023...
And so has participation in OneTable. Jewish young adults have turned to OneTable at higher and more frequent rates than we have seen in the past.
105%
host application increase in the immediate weeks after Oct. 7
87%
more participants in 2023 than 2022
45%
of 2023 participation took place in the weeks following Oct. 7

“I am so overwhelmed. I feel like with the news, everyone asks me how I am doing and I don’ know what to say. I really appreciate OneTable. [It] has been so amazing. It is this beautiful ritual for friends, myself, and more. Now, but always.”

John, Asheville — October 19, 2023

Craving Connection: OneTable 2022 Impact Report
November 2021
By Benenson Strategy Group
75%
of participants are regularly celebrating Shabbat when they wouldn’t have otherwise.
45%
of hosts celebrated other Jewish holidays more often as a result of OneTable.
76%
of guests became closer with people at a dinner and feel less lonely.
Our Research Advisory Board
To bolster high-quality national research and evaluation, OneTable launched a Research Advisory 
Board in spring 2019.
Meet our Advisory Board
More Research

OneTable was built on data, and we continue to conduct regular research to ensure that we are meeting our participants’ wants + needs. These past studies form archive of OneTable’s impact investigations over the years.

Internal evaluations
Since its inception, OneTable has conducted weekly internal evaluation of our resources, program, and platform. Additionally, we invest in wide-reaching quantitative, as well as deep-dive qualitative, research that we use to remain participant-centered.

“I loved being able to connect with others and share the beautiful evening of Shabbat. I always see lighting the candles as a way to bring light into the home, and I think OneTable is another way to bring more light into the world by bringing people together to enjoy Shabbat.”

Anonymous
OneTable Impact Survey Response,
December 2021