"On the night, I reflected on the abundant goodness in all of us and our communities. It was heartwarming to share stories, songs, and meals together. Thank you for making this possible" - Dr Belinda Russon, CEO of Tranby Aboriginal Collective
Breaking bread is a simple yet powerful act that fosters a shared sense of humanity. Since the beginning of this year, Stand Up has been hosting Breaking Bread gatherings, inviting those outside the Jewish community to experience Jewish cultural spaces, homes, and customs and to form heartfelt connections. In a time marked by division, creating genuine connections has never been more vital.
Stand Up naturally plays a role in facilitating and nurturing deep, human relationships with other communities. These gatherings aim to enhance understanding, build social cohesion and celebrate our shared humanity.
In honour of Stand Up’s 30th anniversary, we have set a goal to organise 30 Breaking Bread gatherings. Some will be community-wide events, while others will be hosted by individuals in their homes. We invite you to join us.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
There are three types of Breaking Bread events you can get involved with, each offering a unique way to connect, share, and build community:
1. For Individuals
Hosting a Breaking Bread gathering at home can be as simple as adding a few extra places to your Shabbat table. You decide the format and whom you’d like to invite — whether it’s someone from another faith or cultural background. You might host a Shabbat meal, a challah bake, or a cultural exchange potluck. Stand Up provides a short guide to help you plan and run your gathering.
2. For Your Community Group
Gather your school or community group for a Breaking Bread event. These gatherings offer a unique chance to share Jewish culture, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding through shared experiences and stories. Whether it's a simple meal or a cultural exchange, the purpose is to bridge gaps between different backgrounds. Stand Up provides a helpful guide to make planning and hosting your gathering easy and impactful.
3. For Jewish Organisations
This year, Stand Up has partnered with the Jewish Board of Deputies, The Jewish Independent, and other Jewish organisations to host larger-scale Breaking Bread Shabbat synagogue services. These events engage community leaders from various faiths, cultures, and political backgrounds to celebrate and share the beauty of Jewish culture. If you are a Jewish organisation wanting to host a Breaking Bread event that reaches community leaders outside the Jewish community, we can collaborate to develop a meaningful event.
If you want to find out more on hosting or attending Breaking Bread gathering, please fill in this short form.
Then we will be in touch with resources to help with your Breaking Bread event.