The West Hartford-based Mandell JCC and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford are partnering with a national nonprofit social dining platform to teach local Jewish Millennials how to create authentic Shabbat dinners and celebrate Jewish rituals.

Example of table setting by OneTable. Courtesy images

By Michelle Bonner, Mandell JCC

For many Jewish millennials, practicing the beautiful tradition of Shabbat is not a consistent ritual. Modern-day lifestyles are busy, and a non-traditional work schedule can often be to blame. Regardless of the reason, a national nonprofit is helping to bring this custom back to the tables of those in their 20s and 30s, with a modern-twist.

OneTable, a 2019 ‘Top Rated’ national nonprofit, which has partnered with the Mandell JCC and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, has tapped into technology to engage people ages 21 to 39-ish to celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner on Friday nights.

Through coaching and online resources, OneTable helps make Shabbat dinner accessible to tens of thousands of people, while helping to build community and intention around the Friday night dinner table.

Courtesy image

Interested 20- or 30-somethings can either apply to host a dinner or they can use the app to find a dinner to attend.

“For those who don’t yet have a regular Shabbat dinner practice and are looking to expand their communities, this platform gives them the necessary tools and guidance to build one that feels authentic, sustainable, and valuable,” says Lianne Sufrin, OneTable Field Manager.

The social dining platform will debut in Hartford on Dec. 13 at Hartford Flavor Company with a “Nosh:pitality” event, “In the Mix,” where guests are invited to nosh, mix, and mingle with OneTable hosts and guests. The event will feature a hands-on craft cocktail-making experience.

“This is an extraordinary approach to empowering a younger generation to create their own Shabbat experience,” says David Jacobs, executive director of the Mandell JCC.

Click on the link to reserve a seat for the upcoming “In the Mix” Shabbat dinner: Nosh:pitality. Tickets are $5 and you can bring a friend for free using the promo code “BOGOHartford” at checkout.

People can find a dinner or apply to host a dinner by accessing the OneTable iOS app or by logging on to the website www.onetable.org.

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