Worldwide Shabbat Project Coming to San Diego Nov. 14-17

By Rabbi Warren Goldstein
Chief Rabbi, South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Dear Shabbat San Diego Family, As passionate community members we’ve done so much to spread the vision of the Shabbat Project, and know better than anybody how this year’s project comes at a historic moment in time—as Israel bravely takes the fight to the forces of darkness, and diaspora Jewry contends with a turbulent world.

Since October 7, Shabbat has emerged as a source of strength and comfort—a fortress of faith and family, a shining light of inspiration and meaning amidst the pain and uncertainty.

Our deep Jewish instinct to seek out Shabbat in such moments has kicked in. There are countless inspiring stories of how Shabbat has held us, giving us the courage we need. This year’s Shabbat Project launch video (above) captures some of those stories. A hostage captured by Hamas and freed after 55 days in captivity. A Nova Festival survivor. A college student at Columbia University. They and so many others have turned to Shabbat for hope and connection.

These testimonies offer us a path forward for this year’s Shabbat Project—perhaps the most important since it began in South Africa in 2013. Now, especially, the Shabbat Project is an opportunity for Jews everywhere— in Israel, the US, and throughout the world—to rally together, to unite around Shabbat, to stand proud and say, “This is who we are. We will not be defined by hatred or darkness, and with God’s help, we will not allow our enemies to defeat us.”

And so, let the word go forth that this year’s Shabbat Project, on November 14-17, will be a Shabbat of global Jewish unity. Let us unite in cities across the globe. Let us gather together in our homes and synagogues, in our streets and community centers. Let us join hands with family and friends and neighbors, with our brothers and sisters throughout the world—one people with one heart.

Let this be our rallying call—let us bring the light of Shabbat into our homes, our hearts, our lives. We have the gift of Shabbat. Let’s keep it together.

I want to express my gratitude to you and your families for your partnership, and my profound admiration for all your efforts in bringing Shabbat to the world.

Wishing you, your families and communities a blessed, sweet new year.