INSPIRING EXPERIENCES
FROM OUR SHABBAT CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS
There were nearly 30 families who signed up from New York, Baltimore, Arizona, Chicago, North Carolina and other cities. Each participant had to report back on how each Shabbat went for them and succeed in doing the ritual habitually for at least 10 out of 12 weeks. Approximately 15 families completed the Shabbat challenge and won Judaica books and Judaica art objects to cherish and remember this transformation challenge.
“Thank you for this meaningful opportunity. Shabbat has been so beautiful for our family.” - Hope B
“I will tell you that Shabbat has gotten me through the last few weeks with my dad's passing. It is the light at the end of the tunnel and the week for me. Today is my first day officially back at work and I can't wait to go home, take the challah out and put it on the table and light candles with my daughters and husband. Thank you for putting this together. It has been absolutely wonderful! My Shabbat connection will continue and I look forward to doing something like this again next year!” - Pamela M
“I have made sure to set a nice table, candles, challah, wine. Prayers Cut out my shopping on Shabbat.” - Renee F
“I have really enjoyed participating with the Shabbat challenge as it helped me prepare and think ahead (meals, guests etc.) more in advance than previously. Shabbat has become more uplifting as the challenge helped inspire me to be more intentional about connecting and cherishing the build in rest G-d provided for us every week and something I eagerly look forward to now.” - Aviva G
“I loved the Shabbat challenge because it has encouraged me to connect to my children and grandchildren on a weekly basis in a different and meaningful way.” - Barbara F
“Doing the challenge, especially during the pandemic, gave me more time to really become more spiritually involved with the praying and the purpose of the day. My day of rest became a time to seek out and read magazines that I receive such as the Jewish Times and Hadassah and books with a Jewish theme. I use the time to walk and also to take a Shabbat nap. These are things that I don't take the time to do during the week. Shabbat is my day of rest to get away from the hassle of virtual meetings (my computer and cell phone are off from before I light candles till Shabbat is over) phone calls and organizational work. I leave the material world to enter a spiritual world.” - Sheila M
“The Shabbat Challenge inspired me! With specific goals, I found it easier to keep Shabbat. I also found that by keeping those goals, Shabbat was more meaningful.” - Malkie
“I found this challenge to be worthwhile, as it made me more cognizant of the fact that Shabbat is above the other days of the week. It also gave me a sense of community despite being socially distant from others. On a personal note, this challenge was kind of a lifesaver, as it came at a critical juncture in my life, when it was a lot easier to 'hide in my own shell.' This challenge kept me aware of others and my responsibility as a Jewish person (meaning being Jewish and being a fellow human being).” - Bina
“I loved the Shabbat challenge because it made me stop and really appreciate how beautiful Shabbat can be when you take the time to make it extra special. I also learned that we are so lucky and blessed to have this opportunity every week to get closer to Hashem.” - Daliah
“Thank you so much for all your work towards our community and this Shabbat challenge--it has been a blessing in my life and I know also for many others. I am really grateful to also be selected to receive a prize and I will indeed remember this season with joy. I would very much love to have the Challah Tray, it will be a beautiful addition to the Shabbat table.” - Aviva
“Wow the gifts are amazing. Although certainly wasn’t done for the gifts I would love the havdalah set Thanks again so much for this encouragement. It had been a wonderful experience that I intend to continue.” - Barbara