With their vision to reinvigorate Urban Jewish life in Baltimore, Congregation Beth Am, has created a unique approach to connecting the community. This year, the year 5772, Beth Am has started an exciting new project called 613+ Shabbat Dinners. It strives to connect members around the Shabbat table by asking congregants to host or participate in Shabbat dinners throughout the year with the goal of reaching 613 (or more) members by Rosh Hashanah 5773. By coming together with other members for Shabbat dinner, good conservation, and wonderful company, Beth Am hopes to engage each and every family with this initiative.
Each week, members who hosted a Shabbat dinner are asked to write a brief summary of the experience for the 613+Shabbat Dinners blog. Included in the summary is usually a list of the guests, an analogy, and sometimes even a delicious recipe from the meal!
With great food, company, and conversation, itβs no surprise that 613+Shabbat Dinners has been and will continue to serve its purpose of bringing the Beth Am community together! This program is a unique and wonderful initiative, but can easily be started in any community! For more information and how to potentially bring this project to your synagogue, learn more here!