Extending the Table: What Shabbat Dinner Teaches Us About Social Connection

 

This exploratory study, undertaken through a Research–Practice Partnership between CASJE and OneTable, examines whether participating in Shabbat dinner can lead to social connection, measurably reduce loneliness, strengthen community ties, and promote well-being. Drawing on data from an experiment, an observational study, and qualitative interviews, the research finds that individuals who joined a Shabbat dinner showed more positive change, that is, they reported more improvements in loneliness and social well-being, compared to those who participated in other kinds of social plans. A pre-print with full methodological details and results is available at casje.org/pre-print/shabbat-dinner-social-connection.

 

This study was supported by a grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation.