When was the last time a sitting American president called on the nation to observe Shabbat?

President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation, encouraging Americans to mark a “National Shabbat” on the weekend of May 15–16 as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations, is an extraordinary moment. And Israel365 intends to meet it.

The organization is launching a large-scale initiative connecting Jewish and Christian communities through Shabbat experiences across ten communities in the United States and Israel. Already being organized in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Atlantic Beach, Dallas, Nashville, and Columbus, alongside participating communities throughout Israel, the project transforms a presidential proclamation into something real: actual families, actual tables, actual conversation.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Dalia Boteach, who is leading the effort to build meaningful bridges between Jewish and Christian communities through shared biblical values and the experience of Shabbat.

“Shabbat has always been one of the greatest expressions of our shared biblical values—faith, family, and community,” said Boteach. “At a time when these values are being eroded, there is something deeply meaningful about Jews and Christians coming together around the Shabbat table to strengthen relationships and celebrate the values that unite us.”

As part of the initiative, Israel365 is connecting Christian participants with local synagogues and Jewish families for Shabbat dinners, community gatherings, and synagogue speaking opportunities throughout Shabbat.

Israel365 is currently seeking rabbis and Jewish communities interested in opening their homes and synagogues on May 15th to bring America’s 250th anniversary into living rooms across the country through one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity: Shabbat.

For more details, contact dalia@israel365.com.