OneTable, a North American nonprofit best known for empowering people in their 20s and 30s to envision new rituals and build community through Shabbat dinner, is launching a new program aimed at older adults. Those aged 55ish-plus are invited to register at Together @OneTable, a peer-to-peer platform dedicated to connecting people to create their own Shabbat practices.
With support from the Rose Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the program will initially launch in Palm Beach, Fla.; Atlanta, Georgia; and the greater Denver area of Colorado.
“These three areas have active Jewish communities that we thought would be perfect for the launch of Together @OneTable,” noted Amy Bebchick, the organization’s chief program officer. “We know that the national epidemic of loneliness is impacting people of all ages and believe that Shabbat can be an opportunity for meaningful connection and interaction. We want to help make that possible for those aged 55 and above as much as we do for those who are younger.”
With the launch of Together @OneTable, interested community members can become hosts at gettogether.onetable.org and start connecting with peers. OneTable’s DIY approach to Shabbat includes tailored support, coaching and online resources that allow Shabbat to become personally meaningful. From the OneTable platform, hosts can post and manage their Shabbat dinners, and potential guests can find and RSVP to a dinner in their area.
OneTable looks forward to working with local organizations in each area to disseminate this offering to their membership to create more opportunities for community-building and connection.
