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Imagine the best kind of dinner party—but it's for 3,000 people, and the vibes are off the charts. That’s The Big Shabbat, set to take over Javits North in New York City on November 21. And it’s not just any Shabbat dinner: This is a bid for the Guinness World Record, aiming to eclipse Berlin’s current record of 2,322 attendees.
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This year, it's New York's turn to show what community looks like. Picture a sweeping family-style, kosher vegetarian spread, curated by heavyweights like Adeena Sussman, Joan Nathan, Beejhy Barhany and Jake Cohen. There will be 300 challahs, 1,500 pounds of salmon and thousands of hors d'oeuvres, all orchestrated by 10 chefs, 45 assistant chefs and 156 servers. And yes, as per Guinness rules, once the motzi blessing is said, everyone must stay in their seat for a full hour to legitimize the record attempt.
But beyond the numbers and the record, it is the sense of community that will linger. Doors open at 5:45pm with live music and appetizers, and the meal will begin at 6pm. That's when attendees will officially step into a Shabbat dinner that's still about ritual and connection but remixed for thousands.
It’s also a deeply symbolic moment for the city’s Jewish community. Backed by a $500,000 grant from UJA-Federation of New York, the event comes at a time when connection, joy and assertive communal pride are powerful acts of resilience. Gady Levy of the Streicker Center envisioned this as more than a record-breaking meal; it’s a spiritual rally and a celebration mixed with both gravity and exuberance.
The evening promises more than food and festivity. There will be a mini-Western Wall where guests can leave notes that might go to Jerusalem, as well as live music, dancing and special surprises. To break the Guinness World Record, attendees must check in by 6:30pm and remain physically present until 8:30pm. Tickets are $54 and can be purchased here.