Follow along for our new series “Shabbat with…” in which we interview OneTable community members about their Shabbat practices.

This is Alona, OneTable Colorado host! Read about their favorite Shabbat recipe, relationship with Shabbat, and what they are currently reading.

1. How did you get connected with OneTable? My friend introduced me to OneTable–she told me about a friend of hers who hosted Shabbat dinners in college and encouraged me to look into it. Once I realized what it was, I felt like I had to become a host!

2. What does Shabbat mean to you? Shabbat has come to mean ritual, togetherness, and slowing down. Throughout high school and college, I led Tot-Shabbat services every Friday at my home synagogue. After that I’d gather with friends and enjoy the evening together. When I moved to Denver, I didn’t have a Shabbat ritual and felt like something was missing. For over a year now, I’ve been hosting Shabbat dinners through OneTable and I feel more connected to my ancestry, community, and myself than before. I look forward to Shabbat each week as it offers my community and me a time to slow down, reflect, and enjoy being in each other’s presence.

3. What are you reading right now? I’m currently reading Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey.

4. Who is your dream Shabbat dinner guest, and why? I’d love to have Prentis Hemphill over for a Shabbat dinner. They are an incredible leader and educator in the world of embodiment and healing, and I would love the opportunity to share a meal and get lost in conversation with them.

5. What, or who, inspires your Shabbat hosting practice? Priya Parker has been a huge inspiration for me in hosting Shabbat dinners. I also feel inspired by my friends and community members who show up, week after week, sharing their food, voices, and energy as we gather together.