Cross-Generational Initiative Fosters Connection and Meaning

(Atlanta, GA) – 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. 

“It was truly rewarding to work with Jewish institutions and organizations from across the city on this vital initiative. Whether in Atlanta, Israel, or anywhere in the world, there is no greater ritual that binds the Jewish people together than gathering around the Shabbat table. Our celebration of Shabbat as one united community demonstrated to the world that we reject darkness and marginalization and instead find light, joy, and community in one another,” said Rabbi Dan Dorsch, president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and a Shabbat Across Atlanta steering committee member.

“With Shabbat Across Atlanta, we wanted to help the community come together to create connections, share joy, and build relationships, all rooted in the ritual of Shabbat,” noted MJ Kurs-Lasky, OneTable’s senior director of national partnerships. “It was an incredibly meaningful opportunity for the Greater Atlanta Jewish community to elevate their Friday night with Shabbat dinners, be in community, and create sacred spaces in time.”

In preparation for Shabbat Across Atlanta, community members had the opportunity to participate in a variety of Shabbat education workshops to enhance their hosting experiences. Attendees engaged in classes and workshops, including candle-making, challah braiding, deepening the meaning of Shabbat blessings, and singing Shabbat melodies, equipping them with tools to create meaningful and welcoming Shabbat dinner experiences.

To continue developing their own Shabbat practices, participants and all community members were provided a customized Shabbat Dinner Guide, including personal reflections shared by Atlanta rabbis and other Jewish community leaders, available at onetable.org/atlanta and the complete OneTable resource library. Those in their 20s and 30s are also able to host and guest with OneTable through dinners.onetable.org and those ages 50ish+ can use gettogether.onetable.org to facilitate their Shabbat dinners. 

Beyond Shabbat Across Atlanta, there are numerous opportunities to stay connected within the Atlanta Jewish community, including learning at The Dupree, getting involved with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, receiving free children’s books from PJ Library in Greater Atlanta, and participating in programs at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

The steering committee members for Shabbat Across Atlanta included local lay leaders and representatives from OneTable, The Zalik Foundation, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, The Temple, Chabad of Georgia, Atlanta Rabbinical Association, and Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

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About OneTable

OneTable is a North American non-profit empowering people who don’t yet have a consistent Shabbat dinner practice to build one that feels authentic, sustainable, and valuable. Learn more at www.onetable.org