Aish has partnered with Jewish National Fund-USA, the leading nonprofit organization for the land and people of Israel, to participate in its inaugural Shabbat for Israel on Friday, May 2, 2025, in recognition of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
Chaired by U.S. philanthropists Bob Benedon, Sara Cannon, and Alex Mechaly, over 1,000 hosts in the United States, Israel, and Canada have registered for the global initiative, which aims to engage participants in showing their support for Israel and the Jewish people by uniting for a Shabbat dinner celebrating community, tradition, and unwavering support for the Jewish Homeland.
Aish was invited to participate and was happy to team up with Jewish National Fund-USA to inspire this incredible endeavor further.
“This Shabbat dinner is more than a meal, it’s a powerful expression of unity, heritage, hope, and the enduring connection between Jewish communities in America and Israel,” said Bob Benedon. “Across the country, thousands will join in a tradition that has united our people for generations, and one that will show the world that we are proud of who we are, as Jews and Zionists.”
Participants from the U.S. and Canada who registered to host a Shabbat dinner at their homes, synagogues, or community centers, received a special box containing handcrafted candle holders made by the residents at a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported rehabilitation village in Israel’s South; Za’atar spices made by Bedouin and Israeli farmers; a recipe book of delicacies from Israel’s North; a toolkit that assists in capturing the true spirit of the occasion with their guests; and information to help them observe a meaningful Independence Day Shabbat.
Shabbat boxes for hosts in Israel contained specially curated products from small businesses supported by Jewish National Fund-USA in northern Israel and included items such as decorative candle sticks and candles, olive oil, wine, culinary treats, and a special Israel-themed recipe from the Jewlish website, authored by celebrity chef Jamie Geller, who serves as the Global Spokesperson and Chief Communications Officer for Aish. They will also receive an inspiring Shabbat message from Aish.com, one of the world’s leading websites of Jewish knowledge and wisdom.
Although Shabbat boxes are no longer available for distribution, hosts who wish to participate in the global celebration can register and download Shabbat for Israel resources at shabbatforisrael.jnf.org through May 2.
“We are so proud to be able to partner with Jewish National Fund-USA on this initiative,” said Jamie Geller. “The great Hebrew essayist Ahad Ha’am famously observed, ‘More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.’ Today, these words resonate with unprecedented urgency. As Jewish people face increased hostility and isolation, Shabbat stands as our most potent tool and a beacon of hope for unity, resilience, and pride. Shabbat is a unifying force that brings Jews from all backgrounds together. It’s a beautiful testament to the power of our shared heritage, transcending geographical boundaries and levels of religious observance.”
To find out more about Jewish National Fund-USA and Shabbat for Israel, click here: https://shabbatforisrael.jnf.org/landing/shabbat-for-israel