A record-breaking Shabbat
Over 1 million Jews in over 1,500 cities around the world participated in the global celebration of Shabbat that is The Shabbat Project.
Sydney was no exception with some extraordinary events and achievements and over 80 programs produced by more than 50 communal organisations.
Keeping things fresh with new and innovative events, The Shabbat Project and UIA executed a sensational Shabbat Shuk on Thursday 14 November in the heart of Double Bay’s Kiaora shopping precinct. Local kosher suppliers got involved to create a curated kosher shopping experience inspired by Machane Yehuda, including graffiti backdrops, live music and palpable positive energy.
More than 3,500 came down to shop for Shabbat, grab a kosher snack and chat to friends at the Shabbat Shuk. The Golden Sheaf was on board too with a kosher pop-up in the laneway called Bazaar Bar, where patrons enjoyed a drink or bought a bottle or two of Harkham wine to enjoy at home over Shabbat.
While the Shuk was in full swing, something truly remarkable was happening across town at Maroubra Synagogue: JNF together with Grandma Moses attempted to break the Guinness Book World Record for a longest braided loaf of bread. The record had been set in Brooklyn in 2016 with a twenty-foot (approx. 6m) challah. The attempt was successful and they baked a 10m long challah that took 12 hours to bake and a whopping 70kg of dough. Local Jewish Day schools were present throughout the day to assist. News of this feat has even reached Israeli papers.
What is very heartening is the commendable effort of local shuls, schools and other organisations who supported the Shabbat Project with challah bakes, Shabbat meals, special services and a range of other supporting activities to ensure that there was something on offer for anyone in the community who wished to participate. Forming connections and a feeling of community is core to the mission of the Project.
Daniel Sekers chairman of the Shabbat Project said: “For some, this is their first experience, for others, it’s a weekly recurrence, but for all the power of Shabbat to our community is both electrifying and unifying. We see Jews from all walks of life, young and old, from across the spectrum of affiliation, experience the magic, joy and connection of Shabbat.”
The Shabbat Project Sydney is proudly brought to life with the support of our Partners. In 2019 we would like to acknowledge the generosity of our Strategic partner Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA), presenting partner United Israel Appeal, Communal partners; Moriah College, Emanuel School, Mount Sinai College, JNF, Shalom, Wolper Hospital and the generosity of private donors.
