Shabbat is trending! Get ready for the Shabbat Project 2019 in Sydney
Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Karli Kloss and Troye Sivan have all extolled the virtues of Shabbat as a chance to carve out time to disconnect.
Mention of Shabbat has even reached the pages fashion and lifestyle bible Vogue, where Ariel Okin penned an article titled “How To Host A Shabbat Dinner And Why You Should”, where she described Shabbat as “an ancient antidote to our modern ailment,” and that “Shabbat – the concept of spending quality time with friends and family and family while taking a break from scrolling on Instagram – is for everyone.”
Arianna Huffington tweeted: “Shabbat is a gift to all of us. We need only unwrap that gift” and her Thrive Global site features an area dedicated to Shabbat: A Day of Rest, with articles such as “The Pleasures of Digital Denial” and “I am Addicted to My Devices, But When I Unplug, It’s Nothing Short of Life Affirming”.
Judging by the celebrity interest, Shabbat, in all its different expressions, is trendy.
Lucky for us then that a cracker line up of events is currently being planned for the Shabbat Project in Sydney, as we get the opportunity to join Jews around the world who will unite together to experience Shabbat on 15 and 16 November.
Now in its sixth year, the Shabbat Project has grown to include a vast array of events that bring the Shabbat experience to life.
“The Shabbat Project has become a key part of the Sydney Jewish community,” said chairman Daniel Sekers. “We have been collaborating with community organisations to put on a diverse range of events that appeal to the whole community”.
“We know some people are highly connected to the community, while others may feel they haven’t quite found their place. But the Shabbat Project is an opportunity for us all to be involved. On this date Jews not only around Sydney, but also the world, unite in one common theme that has kept Judaism alive for generations.”
Globally, the Shabbat Project will be celebrated in a staggering 1,516 cities across the world.
“The Shabbat Project has a unique influence, like a fabric that binds the whole community together over 25 hours. It transcends the barriers that divide us in our community”
In 2018, there were a record 125 events celebrated across the week.
“We are such a diverse community with many backgrounds and varying levels of observance. This year, we are encouraging the community to “Experience Shabbat”. Get involved in the phenomenon that even non-Jews are intrigued by with an opportunity to disconnect from the day-to-day and immerse yourself in an experience of renewal, nourishment and reconnection with family, friends and what our community is really about.”
In 2019, The Shabbat Project will be focussing on events that nurture innovation and communal collaboration. We have also had a particular focus on engaging those who may be unaffiliated with the community but looking for an opportunity to do so.
This year, the Shabbat Project will also be headlining some exciting major events. On Thursday, 14 November, the Project has joined forces with UIA to bring the tastes, smells and sounds of Israel and Machane Yehuda to our neighbourhood with a first-of-its-kind event. The Shabbat Shuk will be a one-stop kosher shopping experience to make Shabbat preparation a breeze.
To round off the Shabbat experience on a high note, we are working with the JNF to present a communal havdallah service and concert is being planned for Saturday 16 November.
There will also a myriad of other events including young adult and family events. Stay tuned for more by following The Shabbat Project on Facebook and Instagram as well as the website – www.shabbatproject.org.au.
“There are so many exciting experiences on offer. You can attend one of the many events, experience a pop-up shul service or invite your family and friends over and host a Shabbat dinner or lunch. It is about finding ‘your thing’ and joining in with the rest of the community.”
Let’s experience Shabbat together!
The Shabbat Project is brought to life together with strategic partner JCA, presenting partner UIA, communal partners Moriah College, Emanuel School, Mount Sinai College, JNF, Shalom, Wolper Hospital, media partner the Australian Jewish News and the generosity of private donors.
Find out more at www.shabbatproject.org.au.
