Keeping it together for Israel
"What began as a local initiative in South Africa in 2013 has now evolved into a powerful international movement,"
(AJN STAFF) – Launched 10 years ago in South Africa, the Shabbat Project will be on the weekend of November 3-4, 2023.
The brainchild of South African Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein and his wife Gina, this international grassroots movement was the impetus to bring together Jews from all walks of life and all levels of observance to keep one Shabbat.
This year’s Shabbat Project, supported by JCA and working with strategic partners the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, UIA, JNF, Shalom, the Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors and the Rabbinical Council of NSW, will focus on the core tenet of candle-lighting to show support for Israel.
JCA has distributed over 10,000 packs of Shabbat candles with the blessing through synagogues and schools, as well as other communal organisations to the community.
Jewish households are also being encouraged to support the #BringThemHome campaign, raising awareness of Israeli hostages in Gaza, by setting an empty place at their Shabbat table and sharing a photo on social media with the caption “Our table is not whole until our family is free” with the #BringThemHome hashtag.
“For the past 10 years, the Shabbat Project has been making waves across the globe. What began as a local initiative in South Africa in 2013 has now evolved into a powerful international movement,” JCA CEO Alain Hasson said.
“In current dark times it is crucially important to come together as a family and as a community and not to take these moments for granted. JCA is so proud to be supporting the Shabbat Project and we hope to continue this support for years to come.”
Shabbat Project chairman Daniel Sekers said, “When we were planning all our communication and events, we couldn’t have imagined how our world would change.
“What hasn’t changed is the strength and connection of our community to each other and globally. Whether it’s through celebrating Shabbat together or community together to support Israel, the bond is unbreakably strong. Am Yisrael Chai.”
In an international media release, Rabbi Goldstein emphasised the urgency and significance of this year’s event. “Our brothers and sisters in Israel are under attack. Lives have been lost, families shattered, and many are suffering the horrors of captivity,” he said.
“It’s no coincidence that Hamas attacked on Shabbat – Shabbat is who we are. It is the very soul of the Jewish people. Therefore, this year’s Shabbat Project is a call for every Jew in every corner of the globe to keep Shabbat from sunset. A sublime moment of global Jewish unity. One people. One heart. One Shabbat.”
Large communal events are planned for the Shabbat Project that will take place in May 2024.
To find out what events are taking place visit shabbatproject.org.au.
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