OneTable, a national nonprofit that strives to empower Jews in their 20s and 30s to envision new rituals and build community through Shabbat dinners, is coming to Baltimore.
OneTable is a partnership between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and Pearlstone Center. An agency of The Associated, Pearlstone recently merged with the New York-headquartered Hazon, the largest faith-based environmental organization in the nation.
“We are so excited to be working in partnership with Pearlstone in bringing OneTable to Baltimore,” said Myrna Cardin, chair of the Associated’s Jewish Life Lead Team. “OneTable in Baltimore reflects the very best of our community as a coordinated effort using our local resources to create authentic Jewish life.”
Through OneTable Baltimore, individuals will be able to select two brand-new OneTable Nourishment options for Shabbat dinners, in addition to the current OneTable Nourishment menu.
Pearlstone’s food honors the bounty of the harvests, the traditions of ancestors and the integrity of sustainable agriculture. New options include dinner from Pearlstone’s farm-to-table menu to pick up and serve at home, and dinner from Pearlstone’s farm-to-table menu to eat on Pearlstone’s campus at 5425 Mount Gilead Rd. in Reisterstown.
“The Associated and Pearlstone see a great opportunity to help more people create Shabbat dinner and ritual in ways that feel authentic and sustainable,” said MJ Kurs-Lasky, OneTable’s director of partnerships and Jewish learning. “Young adults are spiritually connected and want a community. We’re able to help them look for those beyond institutional walls.”
OneTable’s do-it-yourself approach to Shabbat — tailored support, coaching and online resources, plus financial boosts in the form of “Nourishment Credits” if cost is a barrier for hosts — enable the host and guests to create the dinner and community experience most meaningful to them.
Nationally this year, OneTable has supported 3,500 unique hosts across the country in creating nearly 23,000 dinners and 128,000 seats at the table for more than 33,000 people between the ages of 21 and 40.
Of the approximately 35,000 Jews between that age category living in the Baltimore area, The Associated estimates that only about three percent are engaged in Jewish life locally.
OneTable has a record of success in Washington, D.C., with significant growth in recent years. Since 2018, 1,400 dinner hosts in the nation’s capital have created 8,000 dinners with 57,000 seats (people, including repeat guests) at the table.
“Shabbat dinners have traditionally provided a safe and sacred space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for meaningful connections,” said Cardin. “In partnership with Pearlstone and OneTable, we’re providing easy access to family-style, farm-to-table Shabbat meals and resources for young adults, and we hope to foster a sense of community and a feeling of inclusivity for all.”
For information, visit associated.org/getinvolved/20s-30s/.
Pearlstone will be available to cater Shabbat dinners on Jan. 14, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, and June 3. Additional 2022 dates will be announced soon.
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