The Shabbat UNPLUGGED project was developed with the goal of making Shabbat into an agreed value that contributes to the quality of life of the individual by bringing a renewed sense of trust, encounter and connection between diverse groups in Israeli society.
The Shabbat UNPLUGGED initiative introduces ever-increasing sectors of the Israeli public to the concept of Shabbat, in a way that is sensitive to differing views and lifestyles. The project invites all of us to assume a meaningful responsibility for one-seventh of our lives, and for our Israeli “togetherness,” in order to bring about a change in the discourse about Shabbat – from a divisive dialogue to one that unifies and unites.
The project is built upon a network of organizations that promote diverse Shabbat activities, a Beit Yotzer (House of Creation) that develops the concept of Shabbat UNPLUGGED and that promotes it directly to the target audiences through a series of informational campaigns. In this Beit Yotzer we develop special knowledge about the profound meaning of Shabbat within Judaism, the evolution of the concept of Shabbat throughout Jewish and human history, and the significance of being UNPLUGGED. We emphasize the link between UNPLUGGED and the biblical injunction as expressed in the Book of Exodus (31:17), “and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed” (Vayenafash), and show how spiritual movements such as New Age, Slow Movements and Mindfulness, are deeply connected with the concept of Shabbat. We connect with the very essence of Shabbat as an educational and rehabilitative tool (the creation of a new person), that can dispel loneliness, dissatisfaction and solitude, especially among young people, at a time when social problems are intensifying and therefore require creative solutions.
The unique body of knowledge that we are developing is applied through new programs developed by the members of the Shabbat UNPLUGGED network of organizations, as well as through campaigns and appeals to the general public.
Shabbat UNPLUGGED in numbers - 2018
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* 50 organizations in the network
* 22 participants in Beit Yotzer (House of Creation)
* 27 new Shabbat programs (sponsored by Shabbat UNPLUGGED in partnership with the organizations)
* 17,000 participants
* 12,000,000 hits on the summer campaign
* 80% of viewers liked the campaign (both secular and religious viewers). - For more information:
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Address: Meizam HaShabbat,
31 King George Street,
Jerusalem.
Telephone: 079-300-2323
Email: info@shearim.org.il
Website: https://shabbatunplugged.org.il/ -