Paula Abdul Joins the Shabbat Project

In this heartfelt video, American singer, dancer, choreographer, and the daughter of Jewish parents, Paula Abdul (her Middle Eastern-sounding name stems from her father's Syrian heritage), shares why she’s proud to take part in the international Shabbat Project. With warmth and sincerity, she reflects on the power of disconnecting, reconnecting, and celebrating Jewish identity together with Jews around the world.

Paula Abdul is among them: a singer, dancer, and choreographer, the daughter of Jewish parents. If you've wondered about the name that carries a Middle Eastern vibe, it stems from her father's Syrian heritage. Abdul has built such an esteemed reputation in the American entertainment industry that her fame earned her a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

This week, Abdul couldn't refuse after receiving a personal phone call from Rabbi Goldstein himself, inviting her to participate in the project. "I heard about the project from the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein. He contacted me personally, inviting me to join this phenomenal initiative. I am committed to observing Shabbat and uniting with Jews worldwide on October 24th and 25th. When the Chief Rabbi calls, how can I say no?

"Shabbat is very important to me. I know that when Shabbat arrives, I can just be myself. No paparazzi, no invasions of privacy. I can always look forward to the weekend and say: thank G-d I have Shabbat. This project is a wonderful initiative because we live in a world where social media allows us to connect and enjoy quality time with family and friends, and reconnect with Hashem while eliminating distractions like phones. The Shabbat Project brings everyone back to their inner happiness."