The national nonprofit OneTable, which empowers young professionals to find and share Shabbat dinners, announces two new features for guests and hosts to elevate such hospitality.
The “guests +1” and “open your dinner, unlock $300 nourishment” options are now available through the organization.
“We are excited to help more people recharge and find meaning at Shabbat dinner tables this year,” said Tirtzah Bassel, OneTable’s vice president of Jewish Learning and Partnerships. “We are all enjoying the chance to reconnect in person at our own comfort levels. OneTable is listening and giving our hosts and guests new options to savor a Friday meal, unplug from the week and build meaningful communities.”
During the coronavirus pandemic, OneTable turned off the guest RSVP option to add a plus-one feature when the guest responded to a dinner. It has reactivated that option, giving hosts the ability to set certain safety parameters, including requiring vaccination for guests if they choose to participate.
Hosts can receive up to $300 per Shabbat dinner in nourishment support (up from $100), which equals $10 per person for up to 30 people. They can use the OneTable nourishment catalog to elevate Friday nights with groceries, prepared meals or delivery, and home-decor items from hundreds of businesses. Such dinners work to network, build community and celebrate the weekly Jewish holiday.
“This year alone, more than 24,000 people have participated in 13,000-plus OneTable dinners, bringing good conversation and meaningful connections to Shabbat tables,” said Eva Laporte, OneTable’s director of marketing and communications. “We are excited for these new features to elevate hospitality and allow more people to create unique and meaningful Shabbat dinners throughout the country.”
