Helping to Keep Shabbat Together in Washington Heights
“The Shabbos Project is a unique, international grassroots Jewish identity movement that unites all Jews to keep one full Shabbat together. The idea originated last year in South Africa, where the majority of the country’s diverse Jewish community joined together to observe a single Shabbat, most for the first time in their lives.” http://www.theshabbosproject.org/about/#shabbos
In more than 212 cities in 33 countries around the world, Jews everywhere celebrated Shabbat together, some for the first time in their lives. Starting as a small community event in South Africa, the Shabbat Project has become a global phenomenon with the potential to become a staple in Jewish communities everywhere.
In coordination with Mt. Sinai and Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, the Y helped facilitate a Shabbat Project weekend for the Washington Heights community. Community members were encouraged to sign up for an inspirational weekend starting with Challah making at the Y the night before Shabbat which attracted over 30 people of all ages. Starting Friday night at sundown, participants then celebrated the 25 hour Shabbat holiday by attending prayer services and joining in community meals throughout Washington Heights. The weekend was capped off with a moving concert at the Y led by the talented David Schlusselberg for over 70 attendees. The concert incorporated classic Jewish songs with an upbeat vibe, stirring most to dance.
The Y is proud to support Jewish initiatives such as the Shabbat Project. We look forward to many more of these types of events in the future.
