New Program Will Help Participants 50ish+ Create Meaningful Shabbat Dinner Practices 

Philadelphia, Pa.— OneTable, a North American non-profit best known for empowering people in their 20s and 30s to envision new rituals and build community through Shabbat dinner, is launching a new program aimed at older adults. With the support of the Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, those aged 50ish+ are invited to host or attend a Shabbat dinner at OneTable Together, a peer-to-peer platform dedicated to connecting people to create their own Shabbat practices. 

“Philadelphia has a robust Jewish community, and OneTable has been active in the city since fall 2021 with young adults,” noted Amy Bebchick, OneTable’s chief program officer. 

“We initially launched OneTable Together in fall 2023 in three locations, and in the past year we’ve seen more than 150 dinners hosted across the United States. The national epidemic of loneliness is impacting people of all ages, and we’re finding that OneTable Together is really speaking to older adults who are undergoing some form of life transition. Post October 7, we know that people of all ages are seeking community and connection. What better place to do that than around the Shabbat table? We can’t wait for Philadelphians ages fifty and older to join us.”

With the launch of OneTable Together in Philadelphia, interested community members can become hosts at gettogether.onetable.org and start connecting with peers and reconnecting with friends. All will become a part of the OneTable Together community and can find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners in their home communities (and when traveling), and have access to personalized support, on demand DIY tools, and Jewish learning resources.

“We love for all of our OneTable Together participants to elevate their Friday nights,” said Susan Salzman, director of OneTable Together. “OneTable has been at the forefront of making Shabbat dinner accessible and welcoming for over a decade. I’m thrilled that older adults in Philadelphia can now participate.”

“The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is thrilled to support the expansion of OneTable Together in our community,” said Dr. Kelly Romirowsky, chief strategy and impact officer at the Jewish Federation. “Shabbat dinner has long been a cornerstone of Jewish life, offering an opportunity to build meaningful connections, foster tradition, and create a sense of belonging. By lowering barriers to entry into Jewish life, this initiative empowers individuals to create personalized Shabbat practices that are both authentic and meaningful. Through local events, partnerships, and resources, OneTable Together ensures that Shabbat remains an accessible and vibrant tradition for many across Greater Philadelphia.”

OneTable looks forward to working with local Philadelphia organizations to create even more opportunities for community building and connection. 

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. OneTable was initially funded to support people aged 21-39ish to find and share this powerful experience, and is expanding to include those 50ish+ via OneTable Together. Learn more at gettogether.onetable.org.