The Shabbat Project Expands: A Global Movement Finds New Momentum in Israel

From South Africa to the World: How It All Began
The Shabbat Project was launched two years ago by South Africa’s Chief Rabbi, Dr. Warren Goldstein. In its inaugural year, the project was limited to South Africa, where a powerful campaign encouraged many secular Jews to keep Shabbat fully according to halachah (Jewish law), many for the first time. The enthusiastic response made it clear to Rabbi Goldstein that the Shabbat Project had global potential.

The following year, the initiative went international. Around one million Jews from 465 cities in 64 countries took part in the Shabbat Project. Participants joined in unique Shabbat programming, public challah-baking events, and musical havdalah celebrations to mark the end of Shabbat. For many, it was their first time experiencing a halachic (Jewish legal) Shabbat.

The project’s organizers received hundreds of moving stories from around the world: Jewish girls from a private Christian school in the U.S. attended a challah-baking event and encountered Jewish practice for the first time. In Perth, Australia, a Jewish family hosted not only 25 of their son's non-observant friends, but also secular Israeli soldiers, a convert from Denmark, and three Jewish backpackers who had just completed a grueling trek. In Johannesburg, an extraordinary half-kilometer-long Shabbat table lined the streets, while in Angola, Africa, a few dozen Jews gathered, perhaps for the first time, to keep Shabbat together.

A National Vision for Israel
While the project has sparked spiritual revival across the globe, its organizers hope that this year, Israel will experience something even more impactful. Their goal: full-scale Shabbat observance, from Metula in the north to Eilat in the south.

During a recent visit to Israel, Rabbi Goldstein met with numerous local officials, many of whom pledged their support. The mayors of Ashkelon, Ariel, Tzfat, Netanya, and Sderot have all joined the initiative, offering public visibility through billboards, media support, and the use of municipal facilities. In several cities, the mayor will personally host a Shabbat meal in his home. Even Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have promised to take part, with Tel Aviv planning a massive open-air Shabbat table for thousands of Israelis.

Reaching Every Corner of the Country
The Shabbat Project is not focused solely on large cities. Hundreds of smaller communities across Israel are also preparing to participate. Volunteers from a wide range of organizations are contributing to the effort. For example, the primarily secular Israeli Scouts movement plans to mobilize 80,000 teens to help organize Shabbat meals in neighborhoods around the country.

Additional support is expected from the Ministry of Education’s Department of Jewish Culture, the Jewish Agency, and various outreach organizations. Their shared goal: to ensure that as many Israelis as possible have the opportunity to experience an inspiring and heartwarming Shabbat kept in full accordance with halachah.

Conclusion
The Shabbat Project continues to grow from a local campaign into a powerful global movement that connects Jews across continents and levels of observance. Now, as it takes root more deeply than ever in Israel, it offers a unique opportunity to unite the Jewish people through the timeless beauty and sanctity of Shabbat.