Global Unity Begins with One More Place at the Table

Unity.

Before politics.

Before opinions.

Before labels.

Unity.

That is the story of the Jewish people.

Not because we have always agreed with one another, but because throughout history, we have always found our way back to one another.

Today, that timeless truth is inspiring an extraordinary international movement built on one simple idea:

Set one more place at your Shabbat table.

No prerequisites.

No political litmus test.

No religious expectations.

Just an open door.

Just an open heart.

Just one more place.

That simple act has become the foundation of Shabbat Nachamu – Shabbat Achdut (“Shabbat of Peace”), an international grassroots movement that began in the United States, spread throughout Europe, and has now reached Israel.

The movement began with the vision of Mendy Fensterszaub, who believed that one invitation could create one friendship, one friendship could strengthen one community, and one community could help strengthen an entire people.

The original spark came during a Shabbat conversation between co-founder Mendy Fensterszaub and campaign supporter Michael Rowell. What began as a heartfelt discussion about strengthening Jewish unity quickly gained momentum. Mendy enlisted businessman and entrepreneur Brandon Margolis as Campaign Director and co-founder, and together they transformed their energy, passion, and love for the Jewish people into the reality of an international movement.

As the campaign grew, it spread throughout the United States, then Europe, and eventually reached Israel. Along the way, it was strengthened by the dedication and support of Zevy Vider, Gilad Vider, radio personality Zev Brenner, and many others. I am honored to be invited to serve as Co-Director of the campaign in Israel (watch campaign video) , together with Gilad Vider, helping bring this vision of unity to communities across the country.

Recently our Jewish communities have endured painful internal divisions, witnessed a surge in global antisemitism unlike anything seen since 1939, and experienced the horrors of October 7—the catalyst that changed everything.

Yet moments of darkness also challenge us to choose light.

They challenge us to ask not only, “What are we against?” but also, “What are we building together?”

This movement offers one answer.

Not through speeches.

Not through arguments.

Not through politics.

But through hospitality.

Around a Shabbat table, people stop being labels.

They stop being “left” or “right.”

They stop being “religious” or “secular.”

They stop being strangers.

They become fellow Jews sharing a meal, stories, laughter, and hope.

The campaign will take place on Shabbat Nachamu, July 24–25, the Shabbat of Comfort that follows Tisha B’Av. Its message is beautifully simple:

Invite one more person.

A neighbor.

A lone soldier.

A student.

A new immigrant.

A family.

Someone who may otherwise spend Shabbat alone.

Come exactly as you are.

Because unity does not begin when everyone thinks the same.

It begins when people choose to sit at the same table.

What has made this initiative so inspiring is the extraordinary diversity of those embracing it. Members of Knesset, mayors, chief rabbis, Torah scholars, educators, entrepreneurs, high-tech innovators, business leaders, students, soldiers, media personalities, celebrities, young influencers, and families from every background have joined together behind one simple message.

Among them are Dov Moran, the renowned entrepreneur and inventor of the USB flash drive; Rabbi Mordechai Abramovsky, Chief Rabbi of Zichron Yaakov; Rabbi Baruch Baranas, respected Torah scholar and educator; and Dr. Raheli Baratz, an expert in combating anti-semitism, whose encouragement and guidance have helped strengthen the campaign in Israel.

This remarkable international effort has been made possible through the dedication of countless rabbis, educators, volunteers, community leaders, and supporters across the United States, Europe, and Israel who believe that Jewish unity is built one relationship at a time.

The world often tells us what divides us.

Our tradition reminds us what unites us.

One people.

One Shabbat.

One table.

One family.

To learn how you can participate, watch the campaign videos, and join the movement, visit SetOneMorePlace.com   . Whether you host someone, accept an invitation, or simply help spread the message, every act of connection matters.

Because the future of the Jewish people will not be shaped only by the challenges we face.

It will also be shaped by the choices we make.

This Shabbat Nachamu, choose connection over isolation.

Choose conversation over division.

Choose hope over despair.

And perhaps, with one more place at the table, we will discover that the road to healing begins exactly where it always has—together.

Rabbi Avi Schwartz
Co-Director (Israel)
Shabbat Nachamu – Shabbat Achdut Campaign #SetOneMorePlace