Bringing joy to our community is a value we’re proud to teach.
Through the Nu Fridays Gen Z Shabbat Supper Club Series, a thoughtful four-part training by our young adult initiative NuRoots, we empowered young Angelenos with a love of our rituals that has accomplished the extraordinary, transforming curious Shabbat dinner guests into confident hosts who play leadership roles in Jewish Los Angeles.
Over the course of monthly Shabbat dinners, each building on the one before, the inaugural Supper Club cohort deepened their Jewish ritual literacy, developed a sense of Jewish belonging, and used what they learned to step into hosting themselves, weaving ancient Shabbat traditions into their lives on their own terms.
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The program launched in June with a get-to-know-you dinner where strangers quickly became friends, overcoming any fears of “not knowing enough.” In July, change-making educator and wellness entrepreneur Kimberly Dueñas showed how vulnerability and storytelling can elevate a table into an open door to genuine connection. Chef Natasha Feldman helped the group reimagine what “home” tastes like during August’s delicious get-together. And in September, with the High Holy Days on the horizon, Rabbis Sofia Zway and Brett Kopin guided participants through the ritual magic of Shabbat — lighting candles, blessing wine and challah, and sharing heartfelt hopes for the year ahead.
These former Supper Club guests are now embracing their new roles as hosts. They’re putting the value of joy they discovered during their four-month journey into action, offering a seat at their table to people who will grow closer to their Jewish heritage, and possibly, into future hosts and Jewish community leaders. By paying it forward, these hosts ensure that Jewish ritual continues to bring people together and spark a love of Jewish life.
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