#ShabbatofLove on Jan. 19 engaged over 30,000 individuals across North America in celebrating Jewish love, light, and pride. Our Jewish Federation joined over 230 other partner organizations who embraced this historic Shabbat. It was an honor for Jewish Federations of North America to work with a diverse array of organizations and witness such creativity, generosity, and unity. Among the many highlights:

• World Record-Breaking Challah: In partnership with the Orthodox Union, Strauss Bakery, and David’s Cookies, the world record was achieved for the longest challah, at 35 feet and 2 inches! Thirty volunteers gathered to carry the remarkable 200-pound challah into Congregation Rodeph Sholom, a Reform synagogue in New York City. Parts of the challah were also distributed to Moishe Houses across New York City. Click here to watch a video documenting the challah’s creation and click here to read an article about why we baked this challah in NY Jewish Week!
• Celebrity Love: Check out this video, featuring Julian Edelman, Adam Ray, Matt Friend, and other well-known figures, who helped us reflect on the meaning of Shabbat and why Shabbat of Love was so needed.
• Shabbat Dinners: With gratitude to OneTable, 780 dinners were hosted using the OneTable platform, and OneTable’s Together@ OneTable technology supported 140 new users engaging with the organization because of Shabbat of Love. We are still tallying the total number of Shabbat dinners as updates come in from partner synagogues, BBYO chapters, PJ Library connectors, and more.
• Shabbat of Love in Times Square: Thanks to the Orthodox Union, Shabbat of Love was featured on a billboard in Times Square the week leading up to January 19.
• Letters to College Students: In collaboration with Hillel International, individuals had the opportunity to submit letters of support to students on college campuses. These letters were sent to campuses across North America and many shared them with Shabbat of Love Friday night dinner attendees. Click here to see a few examples of these messages of support.

Thank you to all who participated in this historic Shabbat. We hope it remains a bright memory and inspiration for celerating Jewish connections and joy in the days and months to come.