Shabbat Unites: A South African Project Inspires Global Jewish Solidarity

A Call to Keep Shabbat Together

Several months ago, a unique and powerful initiative was launched, calling on every Jew in the diaspora to unite through the mitzvah (commandment) of Shabbat observance. The goal was not only to foster solidarity among Jews living outside of Israel, including countless Israeli expatriates, but also to give every Jew, regardless of age, background, or level of observance, a meaningful taste of what Shabbat is all about.

The project, led by none other than South Africa’s Chief Rabbi, Dr. Warren Goldstein, carried the slogan “Keeping It Together.” At first, many people were skeptical, doubting whether such a revolutionary idea could take hold, especially given the assumption that Shabbat was solely for the religiously observant. But today, after the project has gained real momentum and touched the hearts of thousands of families across South Africa, many of whom had never observed a single Shabbat before, those doubts have been replaced with admiration and inspiration.

"I thought, even if it doesn’t succeed, and only ten Jews who never kept Shabbat do so now, that alone would be a success," said Rebbetzin Gina Goldstein. "We didn’t anticipate how positively people would respond."

Not only did people respond enthusiastically, many who participated in the project have chosen to experience Shabbat again. “Who could have imagined, predicted, or believed that the majority of South Africa’s Jewish population, around 75,000 Jews, would keep one full Shabbat together?” said Rabbi Goldstein. “The Shabbat Project proved it’s possible. Everyone can do it.”

The celebration began on Thursday night with a mass challah-baking event in the streets of Glenhazel. Over 2,000 women took part, gathering to perform the mitzvah of hafrashat challah (separating challah dough) together. The evening was designed to promote Jewish unity and sisterhood, offering each woman a chance to experience a beautiful and ancient tradition.

This grassroots Shabbat revival has proven that the power of a single day, when observed together, can ripple across continents and generations.