As the global Jewish community and many families in Israel complete preparations for the “Shabbos Project” Shabbos Noach, 2,000 families in Israel are expected to take part in the “Israeli Shabbos Experience” Shabbos. The project involves religious and non-religious family as well as Members of Knesset for all parties. The Shabbos will include meetings and activities between religious and non-religious and the focus will be the Shabbos meal and dialogue towards building bridges between the communities.

The concept was launched and backed by a number of non-profits including the Bet Hillel Rabbonim, the Oranim Midrasha, Israel Democratic Institute, the Gesher organization and others.

The Geocartographia Institute conducted a poll this week ahead of the special Shabbos seeking to determine an Israeli’s view of Shabbos. The poll shows 60% of Israelis wish to distance themselves from their cell phones and social networks on Shabbos. Close to 60% expressed a willingness to stop using their ‘devices’ on Shabbos entirely.

Bet Hillel Rabbonim CEO Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth feels this presents a “historic opportunity”. The rav feels that this special Shabbos can take the holy day, which in many cases is at the heart of controversy and use it as a cornerstone to building new bridges.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)