Shabbat Club finds its place in Melbourne

Shabbat Club, a supper club-style dining experience built around the traditional Friday night dinner, has made its way to Melbourne.

Already established in cities around the world, the model is simple: a communal table, shared food and an open invitation to mark Shabbat in a relaxed, social setting.

The AJN spoke to Shabbat Club Melbourne founder Chrystal Dias about the idea behind it, the people it is bringing together and why it is resonating now.

Q: How did Shabbat Club begin?

Chrystal: Shabbat Club Melbourne began quite organically. I’ve always loved hosting, bringing people together has always come naturally to me. I started hosting small Shabbat dinners at home, and over time friends jokingly began calling me the “Shabbos Queen.”

But there was also a deeper motivation. In recent years, I’ve felt a noticeable rise in antisemitism, both globally and here in Australia, alongside a growing sense of misunderstanding and disconnect, not only between Jewish and non-Jewish communities, but within our own as well.

There also seems to be a broader perception that Jewish spaces, or even the concept of Shabbat, are exclusive or insular. Yet when you step back, engaging with Jewish tradition is no different to how people openly celebrate and participate in other cultures, whether that’s Chinese New Year, Greek Orthodox weddings, Diwali, Ramadan or Japanese traditions. These are embraced with curiosity and appreciation, and I believe Jewish culture deserves to be experienced in that same open, shared way.

Shabbat Club Melbourne was created as a response to that. It’s about creating unity, celebrating good, and contributing, in a quiet but meaningful way – challenging antisemitism through real connection.

Q: What kind of experience were you hoping to create when you first started?

Chrystal: From the outset, the focus was on curated intimacy and intentionality. Each dinner is capped at 22 guests, which allows for genuine connection, people feel seen, heard and more comfortable engaging.

There’s also a level of anticipation built into the experience. Locations are not publicly disclosed until 24 hours prior, partly due to current security considerations, but it has also created a sense of intrigue and demand.

The experience itself is highly considered, from the tablescapes to the music and cuisine. There is an emphasis on elegance and sophistication. It’s not positioned as a casual dinner, but rather as an elevated social experience.

That said, as Shabbat Club Melbourne evolves (with plans in the works to launch in Sydney), it is expanding beyond that initial format, with plans for more relaxed, cosy and accessible events at lower price points, allowing more people to engage in a way that suits them.

Q: What does Shabbat mean to you personally, and how has that shaped the way these dinners are run?

Chrystal: Shabbat is about pausing, stepping away from the noise of the week and reconnecting with yourself and those around you.

That principle underpins Shabbat Club Melbourne. We honour the traditions but present them in a way that feels accessible and unintimidating. It’s a considered part of the evening, never imposed.

More broadly, I see Shabbat as an opportunity for unity, a moment to bring people together, celebrate culture, and create something positive.

Q: Who is coming along to Shabbat Club?

Chrystal: The audience has been incredibly diverse. Predominantly, it’s people aged 18 to 35, though that is expected to broaden over time. We see Jewish attendees across the spectrum, from religious to secular, as well as those who feel a connection through family lineage or cultural identity. There are also non-Jewish guests who attend out of curiosity and a genuine interest in learning.

What’s been particularly interesting is the range of motivations. For some, it may lead to a deeper connection to their heritage or community. For others, it’s about cultural exploration or simply meaningful connection.

Q: The atmosphere feels warm, inviting and genuinely fun. Is that something you’ve consciously built?

Chrystal: Very much so. A lot of thought goes into the curation of each table, the flow of the evening, and the overall energy of the room. Music plays a significant role, helping create a shared, immersive experience.

The aim is to strike a balance between warmth, elegance and ease. It should feel elevated, but never intimidating. When people feel comfortable, they engage more openly, and that’s where genuine connection happens.

Q: It sits somewhere between tradition and a social night out. How do you approach that balance?

Chrystal: That balance is central to the concept.

We’re not redefining Shabbat, but we are presenting it in a way that resonates with a modern audience. The social elements, food, wine, atmosphere, make it accessible, while the underlying traditions provide depth and meaning.

It allows people to engage at their own level, without feeling obligated or overwhelmed.

Q: In the current climate, gathering in Jewish spaces carries a different weight. Have you felt that shift? 

Chrystal: Yes, and it’s been one of the most defining shifts.

On a practical level, there is a heightened awareness around safety, which has influenced how we approach things like location sharing and guest communication. But beyond that, there’s a deeper emotional layer that people are carrying.

The intersection of war, politics and media narratives has created a climate where many Jewish people feel they are being viewed, and at times judged, through a lens that doesn’t fully reflect their individual identity or lived experience. There’s a sense of being collectively associated with something far more complex, and often without the nuance or education that situation requires.

The way media frames stories plays a significant role in shaping perception. And right now, there can be a gap between narrative and reality. That creates tension, discomfort and, for many, a sadness, a feeling of needing to explain or navigate identity more carefully than before. In that context, spaces like Shabbat Club Melbourne become more than social gathering, they are spaces for connection, understanding and humanisation.

Bringing people together, particularly those who may not otherwise engage with Jewish culture, allows for real experiences and conversations that go beyond headlines. It shifts perception from something distant or politicised to something personal and human.

Q: Do you see this as reimagining Shabbat, or simply giving people a way back into it?

Chrystal: It’s more about creating a pathway back in.

Shabbat itself is timeless. What Shabbat Club Melbourne offers is a modern, accessible entry point.

What has been unexpected is how quickly it has grown. The response has been overwhelming, and what started as something intimate has evolved into something with real scale and potential.

It’s now developing into a sustainable model, with early conversations underway with an investor, the onboarding of its first sponsor and the support of individual donations. That backing is important, it allows the concept to grow while remaining accessible.

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand into new pillars, including activity-based experiences and the launch of a membership program to deepen connection beyond individual events.

There are also plans for larger cultural moments, including a brand launch event in June-July and a Chanukah Ball, designed to create anticipation, energy and a sense of occasion.

At its core, the vision remains the same: to bring people together, foster unity, and create a space where culture and identity can be experienced in a meaningful, modern and inclusive way.

For more, visit @shabbatclub.melb or shabbatclub.com.au.

For sponsorships, partnerships or to get involved, please email shabbatclubaus@gmail.com