Previously, Shabbat Project celebrations attracted more than 1 million participants in 101 countries across 1,511 cities and towns. This year, organizers believe the initiative will top those numbers.

Last year, the Shabbat Project weekend was tarnished by the tragic loss of life and heinous act of anti-Semitism in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year, the organizers of the international Shabbat Project are calling on Jews all over the world to respond to increased levels of violent anti-Semitism in the U.S. and worldwide by proudly proclaiming our Jewish identity, noting that Shabbos is one of the most potent symbols and guarantors of that identity!

Baltimore has become one of the most successful Shabbat Project communities, helping thousands of Jews from diverse backgrounds and affiliations to recognize that whether we call it Shabbos (and say “Good Shabbos!”) or Shabbat (and say “Shabbat Shalom!”), the day of rest belongs to all of us.

The Baltimore Shabbat Project’s stated mission is “to unite Jewish Baltimore in global solidarity through the celebration of Shabbos, respecting every member of our community and creating a true celebration of Jewish unity.”

In previous years, Baltimore’s annual celebration of the Shabbat Project featured large community-wide challah bakes and Havdalah concerts. This year’s local organizers elected to decentralize the program and encourage synagogues and schools throughout Baltimore to conduct programs for their constituents, focusing on the sanctity and uniqueness of Shabbos. Scheduled programs include guest speakers, chesed projects, festive Oneg Shabbos celebrations, classes and workshops on how to celebrate Shabbos, panel discussions, retreat programs and localized challah baking projects.

A full list of Baltimore Shabbat Project activities can be found below and at the BSP website, https://baltimoreshabbatproject.org/upcoming-events together with other information about the project, including opportunities to volunteer, contribute and participate. The website also includes additional details about how to register for BSP events.

Special features include:

• A two-part series on the ABCs of an Awesome Shabbos by Rabbi Nitzan Bergman
• Presentation on Creating Harmony with the Music of Shabbos by Rabbi Paysach Krohn in partnership with BJSZ
• Presentation on Sanctity and Serenity: Appreciating the Gift of Shabbos by Rabbi Shmuel Silber in partnership with WIT
• Shabbat Appreciation Week at the JCC of Baltimore
• Women’s evening of challah baking and celebration hosted by Etz Chaim and JCC
• Senior Challah Baking at the Myerberg Center
• Presentations by guest speakers Rabbi Eytan and Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner in several different settings, including Congregations Tiferes Yisroel, Ohr Simcha, Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim, Shomrei Emunah, Bnai Torah, Bnai Jacob Shaarey Zion, Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore and others!
• #ShareTheLight initiative encourages women to give Shabbos candles to neighbors and establish a pre-Shabbos “chavrusa” to encourage this important mitzvah; or experience Havdalah together with a new friend or neighbor, pausing, looking into the light and just being Jewish together!
• #ReachOutAndConnect initiative encourages people to call/text 5 people to wish them a Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos; also, to invite one or two people (or a family) to share home hospitality and a Shabbos meal
• Chesed Projects undertaken by 20 local schools/organizations to send over 1,000

Shabbat kits to Israeli soldiers in time for November 15 as part of the #ShareTheLight initiative, and to deliver over 1,300 “Good Shabbos” cards to local senior citizens on November 15 as part of the #ReachOutandConnect initiative.

2019 is the sixth year of Baltimore’s participation in the international Shabbat Project. A very dedicated group of volunteers provides leadership and encouragement to continue growing the project in our schools and shuls, as well as in local neighborhoods and organizations. Many local Rabbonim will be dedicating time on Parshas Vayeira to encouraging Shmiras Shabbos, especially considering the current challenges presented by technology, busy family schedules and so many other competing priorities.

For more information and to contact the organizers, please visit the BSP website at

https://baltimoreshabbatproject.org

JEWNITY presents the Big Baltimore Challah Bake

The Baltimore Girls Chesed league is one of 21 local schools/organizations to put together Shabbat kits and decorate Shabbat Shalom cards for senior citizens. 

The Baltimore Girls Chesed league is one of 21 local schools/organizations to put together Shabbat kits and decorate Shabbat Shalom cards for senior citizens.

The Baltimore Girls Chesed league is one of 21 local schools/organizations to put together Shabbat kits and decorate Shabbat Shalom cards for senior citizens.

The Baltimore Girls Chesed league is one of 21 local schools/organizations to put together Shabbat kits and decorate Shabbat Shalom cards for senior citizens.

Twelve year old Elie Felps and eight year old Emuna Felps are helping to pack just under 1000 Shabbat kits that are being sent to female Israeli soldiers to light with the world on 11/15.  

Twelve year old Elie Felps and eight year old Emuna Felps are helping to pack just under 1000 Shabbat kits that are being sent to female Israeli soldiers to light with the world on 11/15.