5Towns Shabbos Project makes challah, music

World Jewry will unite on Shabbos Parshas Noach, Oct. 24 and 25, when Jews keep Shabbos together in an enhanced way, inviting less observant friends, neighbors and colleagues to experience its beauty and traditions.

The Shabbos Project started in South Africa, an effort sparked by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, in which thousands of Jews throughout that country observed Shabbos together. 

This year it is exploding to 340 cities across the world, with over 1,200 partnering shuls so far.

In the Five Towns area, 11 local shuls and nine Jewish day schools and yeshivot are involved so far, organizers report.

Rabbi Ya’akov Trump is spearheading two major events in the area — “The Great Challah Bake,” on Thursday evening Oct. 23, which will begin at 7:30 pm at the Sands Atlantic Beach, 1395 Beech St. One-thousand women are expected to attend, and are encouraged to bring friends who have never baked challah before. Eitan Katz will provide musical entertainment.

Motzei Shabbos, locals are urged to bring their guests to a Maccabeat Havdalah concert, starting at 9 pm at Congregation Beth Sholom, 390 Broadway in Lawrence.

“It is incredible to see how the entire community of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway is mobilizing and embracing the Shabbos Project,” said Rabbi Trump, assistant rabbi at Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst. “It will be a packed weekend of inspiration.

“Shuls are hosting communal events across the community, schools are raising awareness and are participating in programs, homes are opening up to host those who have not yet experienced Shabbos and so many individuals are stepping forward. This incredible initiative [shows] that the Jewish people can unite not just for crisis, but for celebration.”

Rabbi Goldstein is delighted with the growing response, and noted that 15 new partners around the world are being added daily. “The sheer energy, electricity and inspiration that will come from this shared Shabbotrus, the power of this experience, will set the world alight,” he said.

“There is an historic opportunity happening here,” he said. “There is a real desire and thirst for Jewish unity” — especially after the Israel-Gaza conflict this summer, he added.

To pre-register to participate in the pre- and post-Shabbos events, visit TheShabbosProject5TFR.com and click on Challah Bake and Havdalah Concert.