for the OneTable Community
Elana Stein Hain
Rosh Beit Midrash and Senior Research Fellow
Shalom Hartman Institute
The Torah describes two different promises that God makes to the Jewish people, one around homeland, and one around the obligations of peoplehood. This class will discuss the sources for those covenants, and the implications for thinking about the contemporary moment through the lenses of these two different ways to understand the past, present, and future of Israel and the Jewish people.
Monday, Dec. 16
6:00-7:00pm ET
Joshua Ladon
Vice President West Coast and Senior Faculty
Shalom Hartman Institute
For the last few centuries, the Jewish people have been arguing about what makes a vibrant and meaningful Judaism. Under what conditions will Judaism thrive? Should Jews all speak the same language? Should Jews focus on their individual faith? Does Jewish thriving require geographic proximity? A Jewish state? In this seminar, we will look at several different approaches to Jewish thriving in our contemporary age as we think about what it means to be a Jew in the 21st century.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
6:00-7:00pm ET
Ethan Linden
Vice President of Wellspring
Shalom Hartman Institute
In a world filled with loneliness and at a time when building connections can be fraught, Jewish tradition has a lot to say about the best ways to define, establish, and maintain strong communities. In this class, we will look at four models of community that come from our tradition and consider the ways in which each of these models creates costs and benefits for the folks who choose them: single-focus gathering points, “gated” communities, communities of difference, and open tents. We will spend some time thinking through how these models can be helpful when trying build community across political and religious difference.
Shabbat is a time to pause, a time to gather, and a time to reflect. It is also an opportunity to listen — to our own inner voices and to other people around our table. Right now, so many people around our Shabbat tables are:
- Praying for the safe release of the 100 hostages still being held in captivity, including children, women, and elderly;
- Praying for the end of the war in Gaza;
- Praying for the end of innocent people’s suffering.
We hope the resources below will help you to continue to sit at the table, continue to engage, and continue to be part of community. If you’re not yet a host, apply to host a dinner to pause and discuss.
A mobile app platform designed to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism and combat hate speech on social media.
Why Shabbat, Why Now?
OneTable guide reminding readers that Shabbat is here, week after week, to slow down, engage across difference, seek out comfort, express ourselves, and much more.
Let Us Light Candles for Peace
A united cry for peace by Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Sheikha Ibtisam Maḥameed, and presented by the Open Siddur Project.
A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War
A heartfelt plea in a time of devesation by Rabbi Naomi Levy and presented by Nashuva: A soulful community of prayer in action.
Songs for Times of Distress
A library of videos and audio file, curated by Rising Song Institute, of songs + prayers for the return of the hostages and for peace + safety.
Remember + Observe: Shabbat Rituals
An exploration of how weekly Shabbat rituals can remind us of the hostages, hosted by Everyone Counts.
Shabbat 25K: Resources + Discussion Guide
A wealth of resources for inspiring Shabbat dinners, including traditional Shabbat blessings, dynamic Q+A, hosting tips, historical context on Israel, and more.
Call Me Back with Dan Senor
A weekly podcast delving into political and geopolitical analysis with the world’s top experts. The episode “The Execution of Six Hostages” offers a glimpse into the emotional + political dimensions of this moment in Israel.
Dog Whistle Dictionary
An online “dictionary” generated by New Approaches, a creative incubator focused on combating online hate, offering information to identify antisemitic undertones.
Living Through Crisis
A video focused on Jewish Insights by Elana Stein Hain of the Shalom Hartman Institute with Justin Pines.
One Minute A Day
A website simplifying the process of contacting your elected representative so that you can make a quick call and demand the immediate release of all the hostages in Gaza.
The #BringThemHomeNow Educational Toolkit
A toolkit, curated by Everyone Counts, offering five pathways for meaningful action + impact.
Onward Volunteer Program in Israel
A Taglit-Birthright Israel program offering unique opportunities to take part in food rescue operations and sort, pack, and distribute goods to personnel in need in Israel.
Seats of Hope
An initiative of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum inviting you to save a spot for a hostage at your table, in your family gatherings and celebrations, and in your heart.
Voice of the People
Join Israeli President Isaac Herzog in guiding a council of 150 global Jewish leaders as they address key issues and create real, impactful solutions.
Dr. Rachel Fish discusses the historical origins of antisemitism; how it has transformed over time; and how antisemitism has been politicized by both the hard left and the hard right. View now.
Dr. Rachel Fish explores anti-Zionism both pre- and post-1948; when anti-Zionism intersects with antisemitism; and engaging in legitimate critique of the Israeli government. View now.
Dr. Rachel Fish covers level-setting on what is going on in Israel and Gaza, with Hamas and Hezbollah, and how the Israel conversation is playing out in America. View now.