Fox News | Latest
Follow
'Powerful and very inspiring': The Shabbat Project turns 12
Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein and his wife Gina started The Shabbat Project in 2013 to encourage Jews worldwide to observe Shabbat. This year, from November 15 to 16, Jews from 100 countries and 1,500 cities will come together to observe this sacred day of rest. The project has grown exponentially since its inception in South Africa, where 30,000 Jews participated in the first event. Rabbi Goldstein expects over a million participants this year. The Shabbat Project includes festivities such as challah bakes, concerts, and mitzvah auctions dedicated to hostages and soldiers in Israel and those in need of healing. Rabbi Goldstein describes Shabbat as a "divine gift" that honors family, faith, and connection with others. He believes Shabbat gives people a sense of purpose and courage to withstand challenges. Tomer Weiner, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, credits Shabbat with bringing him and his girlfriend closer together after the traumatic event. Weiner described the atmosphere on Shabbat as "holy" and "unifying." Columbia Law student Eli Shmidman said Shabbat has unified students on campus, who have faced a year of battling antisemitism. Israeli released hostage Sapir Cohen, who was abducted from her boyfriend's home, credits Shabbat with giving her peace and energy. She dedicates Shabbat to the soldiers and their loved ones, and to the hostages still in Gaza.
