This weekend, the world–and specifically our neighboring state of Virginia–witnessed a violent display of hatred, racism, and anti-Semitism from a group of neo-Nazis. It is hard to see, hear, and think about these deplorable acts that are happening so close to home. We must continue to work towards understanding one another and showing love and kindness to all, despite our differences.
This Shabbat, join in opposing bigotry and celebrating diversity by creating welcoming, inclusive Shabbat dinners. Be a host. Be a guest. Take your seat at the table.
Shabbat has the power to unite, to elevate conversations, to deepen community.
Together at the Table is a celebration of unity and diversity in the face of fear and division. #TogetherAtTheTable
The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, OneTable, Repair the World, and many other partners (including GatherDC) have made it as easy as possible for you to get started. These organizations are working to bring people together through Shabbat dinner this week – Friday, August 18th. If you do or don’t decide to host or attend a Shabbat this week, the partners working to present #TogetherAtTheTable have compiled resources on the web page to having important, meaningful conversations about all of this.
We asked a few people to share why they think this opportunity is important for the DC Jewish community.
Marina, the DC Hub Manager for OneTable explained, “I feel blessed to be able to bring the community a resource that is so important in the world we live in, especially here in DC, and I feel lucky during times like these to be able to see so tangibly how we come together and bring out the very best in each other. OneTable aims to facilitate this by providing a space for the community to come together and heal over the Shabbat dinner table. In the face of hatred, our community will become stronger by embracing diversity and ensuring that each and every one of us has a seat.”
Alyssa, Moishe House Columbia Heights resident, reiterates the importance by stating, “We (Moishe House Columbia Heights) felt that it was important to create our Shabbat dinner into a space that could be a #TogetherAtTheTable meal because as community builders, we wanted our house to be seen as a safe space for all those looking for some solidarity and understanding. Shabbat is one time in the week that, regardless of what is going on in the world, the traditions, smells, tastes, and celebrations stay the same. This is not only a time to seek solidarity in our community, but to find a time to celebrate the Jewish communities and traditions that we foster and are a part of!” Join their dinner.
Ruth, one of the hosts for this Friday, says she believes that “#TogetherAtTheTable is a great way to foster conversations around justice. They don’t begin and end at the Shabbat table, but rather they should inspire us to act in the face of bigotry and hatred. As we take action for our community as self-advocates, may we never forget to act as allies in the fight for shared liberation for all.”
Host your own dinner now – open or closed – to bring people together against hate.
