“A Sacred Pause for the Whole Nation”: Voices from Around the World Ahead of the Global Shabbat

The countdown has begun. Across the globe, Jewish hearts are turning toward one sacred moment that many have waited far too long to experience: one Shabbat, kept together, as one people.

Religious, traditional, and secular. Old and young. Rich and poor. From Tel Aviv to Toronto, Be’er Sheva to Buenos Aires, Jews of every stripe are preparing for a 25-hour pause together.

The buzz surrounding this one-of-a-kind initiative, spearheaded by South Africa’s Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, continues to grow. We’ve gathered just a few of the heartfelt responses pouring in from Jews around the world who are sharing their thoughts, feelings, and hopes ahead of the Shabbat Project.

What People Are Saying

Itzik Biton:
“In the madness of daily life, Shabbat is my island of calm. People often ask, ‘What do you do all Shabbat?’ My answer: I recharge. All week, we keep a charger on hand to keep our phones alive, but what about our souls? Shabbat offers us a neshamah yeteirah, an extra soul, and when we honor the day, we walk away spiritually full. I sleep, play, read, laugh, visit, pray, and sing, things I rarely do during the week. But on Shabbat, I do them. And it fills me.

“Shabbat is quality of life. And you don’t have to be religious to enjoy that. It’s a gift for every Jew. The first few Shabbats may take some planning. Ask your kids to help with something; get them excited. My own father was a busy businessman, never home during the week. But I never felt that absence, because of Shabbat.”

Liat Ben Lulu:
“After I started keeping Shabbat, I discovered that really it was Shabbat keeping me.”

Tal Ashkenazi:
“Such a great idea. Sitting with the family and playing Monopoly? Sounds awesome.”

Riki Mandel Elmakias:
“I suggest that religious families host secular families so they can experience Shabbat as it’s meant to be kept, and see how joyful it really is.”

Ronit Wurtzel Lerner:
“I downloaded the app and shared it with most of my Facebook friends. Still spreading the word... to help others connect.”

Gadi Sagiv:
“I’m not observant, but honestly, this could be really nice.”

Michal Niddam:
“I love the idea, and of course, with Hashem's help, I’ll be participating with my whole family.”

Sigal Dotan:
“Amazing. You’re true messengers. Who knows how many Jews will begin keeping Shabbat because of this initiative?”

Sarah Cohen:
“Incredible. Truly. The unity of our people gives me chills. Amazing work.”

Shai Alon:
“Let’s give this new beginning a chance. Let’s bring all Jews closer, no matter what language they speak. I bless this initiative and wish us all success.”

Neriya Kobani:
“Ingenious idea! A brilliant example of a warm, embracing approach.”

Nurit Goldenberg:
“When you cling to the wings of the Creator, you receive sparks of light and protection for the entire week. Shabbat fills us with joy and spiritual energy. It’s no accident that this gift came from Hashem.”

Rachel Brosh:
“Try it with joy, not with pressure or guilt. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Shabbat has come, bringing rest for the body and the soul.”

Benjamin Kroitoru:
“I want to be hosted by a religious family. An ultraorthodox family, if possible.”

Yaffa Rabah:
“I’m deeply moved to be part of this warm, spiritual experience. One weekend a year where Jews from all corners of the world unite. This is powerful unity. Am Yisrael Chai.”

Conclusion
As the Shabbat Project approaches, the excitement is palpable. But more than that, there's a quiet sense of hope. Hope that even just one shared day of peace and purpose can remind us of who we are and what it means to be one people. Whether through challah baking, unplugging from tech, singing at the table, or simply sitting with family, the Jewish world is preparing not just for rest but for reconnection.