Queer Shabbats

If you’re into Pride, check out our resources made in partnership with JQ International here. If Pride’s not your thing, or you’re looking for year-round Queer Shabbat resources, you’re on the right page.

Why celebrate queer community with Shabbat dinner? One of our core values is oneg, joy, which is an inherent part of the Shabbat dinner experience. While the LGBTQIA+ community is still fighting for rights, safety, and inclusion, there’s much to celebrate. Shabbat dinner, taking a moment to connect with community and heal from the week of busyness, is essential for self- and community-care.

What’s the hashtag? When posting your dinner, or searching for a seat at the table, use “queershabbat” – posting on socials? Add #myonetable

How do I host a Queer/LGBTQ+ Shabbat? Our director of communications has some tips for you.

New to OneTable? Check out this page on hosting and our resource library.

Questions? Here are some answers:

How does hosting a Shabbat with OneTable work?

If you are not already a OneTable Shabbat dinner host, sign up here. (Applications take up to 10 days to process.)

Once you are a host, you can post your dinner here. (Private dinners are for just you and your friends, choose “Host Approval” to let new people request a seat, or “Open” if you’re hosting publicly – anyone can rsvp to an Open dinner.)

OneTable Shabbat dinners are at least 5 people (including the host), and are for hosts not in undergraduate between 21-39ish. Individuals under 21 cannot be present at OneTable dinners.

When does my dinner need to be posted?

Shabbats must be posted on the site by the Tuesday before the dinner at midnight local time.

What is Nourishment?

It’s a resource OneTable is able to offer to those hosts who need a little extra help to elevate their dinners. It is not meant to cover the full cost of the dinner. It comes in the form of digital gift cards. Our options are businesses that give us discounts on their services. If you do not need this assistance, you can choose to “pay it forward” and it will help another host bring more Shabbat into their life!

Private dinners are eligible for $10/seat, up to $100, Host Approval and Open dinners are eligible for $15/seat, up to $150.

When do I need to choose my Nourishment?

We encourage you to choose your Nourishment ASAP.

With that in mind, you will only be nourished for the number of guests you have signed up by  the Wednesday before your dinner.

Can I have my parents/kids/non-Jewish friends at my table?

All people present must be over the age of 21.

OneTable is uber-inclusive. At OneTable, we want you to spend Friday night with the people who YOU want to spend your Friday night with – guests of any and all religions and cultures are welcome.

What makes a Friday night dinner a Shabbat dinner?

We want you to find the right ritual fit for you and your guests. We encourage you to check out the above resources and check-in with your Field Manager. Set the intention that makes you want to elevate your dinner for your guests.

Who drew this super cute art?

Rachal Duggan of www.rachalduggan.com! Know other queer artists we should work with? Email al@onetable.org

More questions?

Check out our full FAQ here, and/or get in touch with your Field Manager.

Getting Started

THE ONETABLE SHABBAT GUIDE

The resources below are meant to act as supplements for the Shabbat experience. Check out our full Shabbat guide to help you lead your guests through the rituals. (A new queer Shabbat specific guide is in the works – look for it in the fall!)

More Resources

TORAH

Tons of trans-centered Jewish learning, essays, resources, poems, videos, art, and more from TransTorah.org.

JEWS OF COLOR

Keshet and the Jewish Multiracial Network have teamed up to create a comprehensive list of resources by and for QJoC.

CARE

The JQ Helpline provides inclusive support and resources for LGBTQ+ Jews, their families, and allies. Print out this flyer to share at your dinner.

PRINTABLE BATHROOM SIGN

An inclusive printable bathroom sign to hang outside your bathroom from JQ International, especially useful if you’ve rented out a public place.

VANESSA OF AUTOSTRADDLE

“My own ritual with the weekly day of rest has changed many times over the course of my life, but no matter how I’m observing, Shabbat has always felt incredibly sacred to me.”

QUEER IDENTITY IN JEWISH HISTORY

An Inter­view with Noam Sienna, author of A Rain­bow Thread: An Anthol­o­gy of Queer Jew­ish Texts From the First Cen­tu­ry to 1969.

KESHET

Keshet is a national organization that works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life.

ICEBREAKERS

One of the best parts of gathering around the table is the incredible conversation. Here are some ideas to get it flowing.

LEARNING

Another way to add to your Shabbat table is by bringing a source sheet for your guests to learn together.