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Baltimore community unites to address the empty Shabbat table: A gathering of hope and solidarity

“As we welcome Shabbat without our loved ones, our prayers and solidarity resonate across borders,” says Caren Leven.

Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip set a symbolic Shabbat table with more than 200 empty seats for the hostages outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on Oct. 20, 2023. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90.
Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip set a symbolic Shabbat table with more than 200 empty seats for the hostages outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on Oct. 20, 2023. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90.

The Baltimore community will come together for an event of profound significance as they gather to call for the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip, offer prayers for their safety and welcome Shabbat in their absence.

The event, titled “The Empty Shabbat Table,” will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Oheb Shalom Har Sinai Congregation.

The Baltimore community’s unwavering support is a beacon of hope for the hostages’ families and serves as a testament to the city’s unity and compassion. Two Israelis representing the families of the hostages will be at the event, emphasizing the global significance of the gathering.

The program will include:

• Prayers and Calls for Hope: Local clergy will lead heartfelt prayers and offer words of hope for the safe return of the hostages.

• Community Leaders: Delegates from Baltimore, including community leaders, will be in attendance, underscoring the significance of this collective effort.

• Solidarity Through Song: The gathering will conclude with songs of unity and solidarity, symbolizing the strength that can be found in community togetherness.

Sponsored by:

Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation,

Chizuk Amuno Congregation, Beth Tfiloh Congregation,

Beth El Congregation, Ner Tamid Synagogue, Bolton Street Synagogue

Beth Israel Owings Mills, Baltimore Zionist District,

Baltimore Jewish Council, Baltimore Israel Coalition, The Associated

JCC of Greater Baltimore, Greater Baltimore Hadassah

Israel Bonds Baltimore

For media inquiries, contact:

Caren Leven

Executive Director

Baltimore Zionist District

410.916.3652 | Carenl@bzdisrael.org

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