Shabbat: A Tradition of Rest and Reflection
On January 10, 2025, Beth Sholom Synagogue and The Interfaith Bridge hosted our inaugural Interfaith Shabbat Unity Table. Thirty-two interfaith attendees gathered over dinner to honour the essence of Shabbat Shalom: rest, reflection, renewal, and peace.
The evening began with Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich leading us through the Shabbat ceremonies and rituals, offering prayers and sharing his insights and wisdom. Our Bridge event co-chairs then framed the night around peace, reminding us that “just as Shabbat begins and ends with the words Shabbat Shalom, so too can peace shape our lives and guide us together as one civil society.”
We were deeply honoured to be joined by esteemed clergy and community leaders, including Pastor David Larmour from King Street Church, his wife Pia, their family, and several congregants, as well as Reverend Ron Matheson and his wife Darla, alongside other distinguished guests.
In a world often divided, the Interfaith Shabbat Unity Table exemplifies the power of gathering across faiths to break down barriers, build bridges of allyship, and inspire enduring commitments to combating hate through shared values of peace, unity, and hope for a better future.
As we shared a meal and meaningful conversation, we were reminded of the enduring message of Shabbat: that peace can frame our lives and our communities. Together, we carried the spirit of Shabbat Shalom—its message of peace, rest, and renewal—back to our homes, united in our commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in our world.