On Friday night, March 1, 2019, hundreds of synagogues across North America will take part in a a celebration of the thing that unifies all Jews: Shabbat, according to an announcement by National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), the organizers of Shabbat Across America & Canada. “Everyone is invited… singles, couples, families — all ages.”
It’s the 23rd annual Shabbat Across America and Shabbat Across Canada. In July 1987, Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald founded the NJOP, which sponsors and publicizes the Shabbat Across America/Canada campaign, as well as Read Hebrew America/Canada, campaigns, Beginners Prayer Services, Turn Friday Night into Shabbat, Passover Across America, Sukkot Across America, and free “crash courses” in Hebrew reading, basic Judaism and Jewish history.
These NJOP programs are offered in 4,860 locations across North America and in 40 countries worldwide. Through these programs and campaigns, NJOP claims to have successfully reached more than 1,428,600 Jews in North America and engaged them in Jewish life.
“By participating in this continent-wide event, you will not only have the opportunity to experience Shabbat, but you will be sharing your experience with tens of thousands of Jews across North America,” goes the group’s promotional appeal. “No matter what your affiliation or which Shabbat Across America or Shabbat Across Canada location you choose to attend, NJOP’s annual Shabbat program will give you a ‘taste’ of Shabbat.”
The program will offer “explanatory services, traditional rituals, delicious meals and lively discussions are all important components of the Shabbat experience, as well as the opportunity to spend the evening with like-minded people, friends and family.”
NJOP also recommends that should you be are unable to go to one of their registered location, you can participate in your own home, with friends and family.