The Shabbat Project

Where in the world will Jews be celebrating the Shabbat Project? The answer is awe-inspiring: across continents, cultures, and time zones, communities are coming together to honor Shabbat with joy, creativity, and connection.

In New Zealand, a country with just 6,000 Jews that comprise only 0.1% of the population, families will gather to welcome Shabbat together. More than 1,000 miles away in Australia, a thriving Jewish community is hosting over 100 events. True to their coastal spirit, they’ll greet Shabbat by the sea, complete with a “Shabbat Shuk” inspired by Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda open market.

Though the Shabbat Project was born in South Africa, it has spread far and wide, even to places where Jewish life is often overlooked. The Ugandan Jewish community will keep Shabbat despite facing poverty and food insecurity. In Rwanda, two Jews will join a communal Shabbat meal for the very first time.

A Global Mosaic of Unity and Tradition

Across Asia, the Jewish school in Singapore will host a challah-baking event, while communities in Shanghai and India will gather for shared meals and blessings. In Pakistan, a man named Zuriel will mark Shabbat with his family, though they don’t know any other Jewish families nearby.

In South America, in the city of Iquitos, deep in the Amazon rainforest, accessible only by air or boat, a centuries-old Jewish community will gather at the local synagogue to celebrate. In Buenos Aires, 5,000 women will take part in a massive challah bake, uniting in song, prayer, and purpose.

In the U.S., 27 states will host “Pink Challah” events, bringing the Shabbat Project together with breast cancer awareness. Mexico and Panama will feature meditative Shabbat experiences and special programs for teens.

Even in conflict zones, Shabbat is not forgotten. A U.S. soldier stationed overseas will light candles and recite Kiddush. In previous years, American troops in Iraq and Kuwait did the same. In Morocco, the Jewish community of Meknes will gather for a shared meal in honor of the day.

And in Israel, the heart of the Jewish world, nearly 300 events will be held from the north to the south in celebration of this sacred and unifying day.

The Shabbat Project is more than a date on the calendar. It's a day when the global Jewish community embraces tradition, identity, and connection. No matter where you are, you're part of something bigger.