Shabbat in Myanmar? The Shabbat Project's influence grows in 2018
More than one million Jews from more that1,000 cities in 98 countries are slated to participate.
By YVETTE J. DEANEMEMBERS OF the Nogradi family light candles for Shabbat in their home in Budapest(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Shabbat Project will take place worldwide on October 26-27. Every year for the past six years the Shabbat Project has encouraged Jews around the world to celebrate Shabbat together. "The idea is simple: Jews from all walks of life, from across the spectrum of religious affiliation, young and old, from all corners of the world – come together to experience the magic of one full Shabbat kept together – in full accordance with Jewish law," the Shabbat Project's website stated.More than one million Jews from more than 1,000 cities in 98 countries are slated to participate. New countries hope to join the festivities such as Myanmar, Tasmania, Argentina, Ghana and Dutch Caribbean island.“The reality is that in our modern age, as a result of the lives we live and lifestyle choices we make, we end up not having the time or the emotional space to devote attention to the things that really matter – personal growth, our families and relationships, our spiritual wellbeing,” Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, the founder said. “Shabbat gives us that time and that space, and the results of that can be truly transformative.”The Shabbat Project looks different across the globe. In Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, the owner of a local hostel will offer free accommodation and meals to anyone who chooses to keep Shabbat. Mountaineers camping on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are pausing for 25 hours to keep Shabbat.Of course there are more traditional gatherings where ten cities throughout the United States will host “Pink Challah Bakes” commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and prepare for Shabbat.
