05/15/2026
Some people are dubbing this Shabbat as “Shabbat 250.” I’m calling it “Shabbat 3338.”
It’s the Shabbat before Shavuot and three-thousand-three-hundred-and-thirty-eight years ago we observed the Day of Rest for the first time at the foot of Sinai.
At that moment, we stood united as one nation under one G-d. Despite their political differences, ignoring their tribal affiliations, every Jew - man, woman and child - stood together. It was the beginning of the Jewish story.
Since then, we’ve been through a lot. From the good times to the challenging. From life in Israel to expulsion and exile. We’ve splintered into so many communities with different flavors and customs. But Shabbat has been a constant. It is a thread that weaves across time and ties us together.
40 years ago, before Shavuot in 1986, the Rebbe innovated a new practice: Unity Shabbat. He encouraged communities to gather on the Shabbat preceding Shavuot to connect, unite and recreate the sense of Jewish unity that was present at Sinai.
Now, more than ever, we need this anchor to lean on. When being a Jew is more challenging than it has been in recent memory. When society is so divided and polarized. Shabbat is an island in time that can serve as a refuge. It can bring us together and reaffirm our shared values.
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To honor this tradition, Leah and I are inviting the community to our home from 2-4pm for a Shabbat afternoon Kiddush with Cholent and Beer. (Please respond to this email to let us know that you’ll be coming - we look forward to seeing you!).
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As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, President Trump called on Jews to observe this Shabbat in celebration of 250 years of American independence.
Whatever your thoughts about the President, it is an opportune moment to lean into the great gift of Shabbat and unite as one Jewish people. To put aside our differences and celebrate our heritage, together.
And at a time when so many Americans are paying tribute to Jewish Heritage, we can be on the front lines, celebrating it loudly and proudly.
