The Shabbat project, an annual event that has been running for nine years, had a record number of participants in 2021, despite several COVID-19 restrictions in their respective cities.
Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, the founder and director of the project, said: “I am impressed by the resilience and courage of the thousands of our partners and volunteers around the world, whose efforts have led to record participation in the midst of adversity in the aftermath of the pandemic.”
The program includes Jewish participants attending mass Shabbat lunches, dinners, concerts, Shabbats, etc.
“The visceral bond between Jews of all backgrounds and the Shabbat was in full view at the events of the weekend across all barriers of language, culture and adherence,” Goldstein said.
The International Shabbat Project received record participation despite the pandemic. (Credits: Courtesy of The Shabbat Project.)
In Latin America, Shabbat events took place in Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico.
Although the project started in South Africa, it was managed from its headquarters in Tel Aviv.
A new initiative within these unique Shabbat events includes the “Shabbabox”, a special gift box designed to help young Jewish families experience the joy of sharing Shabbat together. Other campaigns included “Pick a Mitzvah” and “Challa Challenge”.