Following a comprehensive search, OneTable’s National Board of Directors selected Dr. Sarah Abramson as our next President and CEO. She began her role in August, following a five-month search conducted with Heidrick & Struggles. Sarah arrived with deep experience in Jewish communal leadership and impact strategy, and with a clear-eyed understanding of what this moment demands of us: a stronger ecosystem of Jewish belonging, built through relationships, each week, on Shabbat.

This transition indicates what’s ahead: OneTable entering its second decade with the same mission and a renewed focus on scaling effective initiatives while adapting for a new generation.

In 2025, OneTable deepened its presence in smaller + mid-size communities with little to no Jewish infrastructure, places where OneTable often became the infrastructure itself, one of the few accessible entry points into Jewish communal life. This work expanded significantly over the year, reflecting both the growing demand for connection and the organization’s commitment to reaching those who might not have an established Shabbat practice.

To meet that need, we strengthened and scaled our remote engagement model, enabling regional staff to support multiple areas virtually. Their focus on strategic partnerships, digital engagement, and scalable programming extended OneTable’s reach and amplified its impact across diverse geographies. 

In October 2025, OneTable partnered with the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) at George Washington University, where we embarked on a research study exploring a significant question: Can Friday night Shabbat dinners measurably reduce loneliness, strengthen community ties, and promote social well-being? The short answer: yes! 

Strengthening deeper connections through Powered By OneTable, which marked five years, supporting peer-led gathering through partner organizations, totaling 10,000+ events and connecting 60,000+ individuals, including communities across 50 Hillel campuses. As part of our ongoing strategic focus and commitment to sustainable growth, we will sunset Powered By OneTable over the course of FY26.

OneTable Together began evolving toward a new model of engagement in 2025, with a focus on B2B partnerships and intergenerational engagement. In 2026, we will explore OneTable Together as a way to emphasize networking, mentorship, and professional and community connections, meeting young adults where they are and deepening OneTable’s role as a connector and convener. 

Investing in ease and excellence: We continued to improve our platform and user experience, tracking Customer Effort and Satisfaction, and rolling out updates that make joining and RSVPing smoother.