Shabbat Project launches
THE Shabbat Project is coming to Sydney.
THE Shabbat Project is coming to Sydney.
On the Shabbat of October 24/25, Australian Jews are being invited to join tens of thousands around the world in keeping one full Shabbat together, as part of a global initiative which originated in South Africa last year.
According to organisers, the majority of the South African community took part last year even though most do not define themselves as observant.
“Whether a first-timer or a seasoned Shabbat observer, young or old, thousands of Jews across the globe will be ‘keeping it together’,” project leader Rabbi Benji Levy said.
“Australia is one of the first countries where candles will be lit and the light that is created within our community will not only create warmth for all of us, but illuminate the world at large with the spirit of unity that is the Shabbat Project.
“As the world focuses on the importance of rest, wellbeing and spiritual connection, this age-old mitzvah is being appreciated by more and more people.”
Rabbi Levy encouraged people to sign up to the project and “spend a focused 25 hours with your family and friends by disconnecting from technology in order to reconnect”.
The weekend will kick off on Thursday, October 23 as the Sydney community, led by the ladies of the Monday Morning Cooking Club, participates in a monumental challah bake.
Communal organisations will be offering an array of events in the lead-up to and during the Shabbat, with shared meals, classes, activities for children and social events, which will “enable anyone and everyone to make the most of the experience”.
On Saturday night, as one of the first global cities to farewell Shabbat, the community will come together for a havdalah celebration, helping to carry the spirit and energy of Shabbat into the new week.
“Do not delay in registering to be a part of the Shabbat Project, a powerful and positive reason to unite the community and the entire Jewish people,” Rabbi Levy said.
“In the powerful words of Ahad Ha’am, ‘More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.’”
For more information, visit www.shabbatprojectsydney.com.au.
EVAN ZLATKIS
More than 3000 women took part in a challah bake in Johannesburg last year as part of the Shabbat Project.
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