New Community-Wide Cross-Generational Initiative Will Celebrate an Evening of Connection, Reflection, and Tradition – a “Sacred Space in Time”

Atlanta, GA – OneTable, a North American nonprofit empowering people who don’t yet have a consistent Shabbat dinner practice to build one that feels authentic, sustainable, and valuable, today announced “Shabbat Across Atlanta” to take place on January 31, 2025. With generous philanthropic support from the Zalik Foundation and inspired by Atlanta community leader’s desire to more frequently host or attend Shabbat dinners, this initiative will see Jewish homes across Atlanta open their doors to celebrate an evening of connection, reflection, and tradition.

“This is an exciting community-wide and cross-generational initiative inviting Atlantans to create sacred spaces in time with the goal of uniting nearly 1,000 individuals from across Atlanta’s diverse Jewish community,” said Amy Bebchick, Chief Program Officer at OneTable. “By embracing the traditions of Shabbat, we can disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with community, family, and ourselves.”

“More than Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews. Shabbat is the cornerstone of a thriving Jewish family and community,” shared Helen and David Zalik. “A Shabbat dinner with family and friends can bring great meaning, joy and connection into your life—as it has for ours.”

Leading up to January 31, Shabbat dinner hosts will have the opportunity to participate in several Shabbat education workshops to prepare them to welcome guests into their homes and engage in Shabbat dinner rituals filled with meaning. It’s expected that Shabbat dinners will take place in more than 100 homes as part of the initiative. Individuals who are interested can sign up for program updates at onetable.org/atlanta.

Shabbat Across Atlanta is open to everyone, regardless of age, and all are welcome. Along with the support from the Zalik Foundation, local organizations on the steering committee and numerous other community partners reflect a diverse array of Atlanta Jewish organizations. Together they aim to:

• Inspire Joyful Shabbat Practice: Encourage people who may not regularly celebrate Shabbat to embrace the tradition by hosting or finding a meaningful and joyful Shabbat dinner.
• Strengthen Jewish Community Bonds: Use this shared Shabbat experience to foster deeper connections and relationships within Jewish Atlanta, bringing together diverse participants across the city.
• Deepen Connections in Atlanta: Strengthen relationships within the Jewish community by connecting over the beauty of Shabbat rituals and traditions.

“In collaboration with OneTable, the Zalik Foundation, and local Jewish organizations, Shabbat Across Atlanta will help the community build lasting connections far beyond the Shabbat dinner table,” continued Bebchick. “In today’s post October 7 world, connections and building community are essential to navigating life’s challenges and bringing people together to create opportunities for new friendships, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of belonging.”

The steering committee members for Shabbat Across Atlanta include local lay leaders and representatives from 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.

# # #

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.