Thousands pledged to observe Trump’s historic ‘National Shabbat’

Trump cited a 1790 letter George Washington wrote to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport and also paid tribute to the contributions Jewish Americans have played in the United States.

By Shiryn Ghermezian, The Algemeiner

Nearly 8,000 people pledged to observe “Shabbat 250,” a national Shabbat proclaimed by US President Donald Trump that started Friday night at sunset.

People from all 50 states signed a pledge on the website Shabbat250.org with their intention to observe Shabbat this past weekend.

“Shabbat 250” marks the first time in American history that a sitting president has invited the nation to collectively observe the Jewish day of rest.

To celebrate May being Jewish American Heritage Month, Trump announced a proclamation designating the period from sundown Friday until sunset on Saturday as a national Shabbat.

The effort also marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,” the president said.

“From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”

Trump cited a 1790 letter George Washington wrote to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport and also paid tribute to the contributions Jewish Americans have played in the United States.

“We honor their role in shaping the story of our Nation, and we remember that religious devotion, learning, and service to others are enduring pillars of a thriving culture,” he said.

“Through every trial and triumph, the contributions of Jewish Americans have shaped our past, have strengthened our communities, and will continue to inspire American greatness for generations to come.”

The White House hosted a “Shabbat 250” reception at 6 pm ET in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office.

Several synagogues announced “Shabbat 250” programming, such as Shabbat dinners, and the group Young Jewish Conservatives has offered an $180 grant to Jews under the age of 35 who are committed to hosting a traditional Shabbat dinner with at least five other people.

The national Shabbat will take place on the same weekend as Armed Services Day, which is observed on the third Saturday of May, and the weekend before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which marks G0d’s giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.

“Shabbat 250” will be followed the next day by “Rededicate 250,” a nine-hour prayer event organized by the Trump administration.

The president’s senior faith adviser Paula White-Cain said Sunday’s event will be “about the history and the foundations of our nation, which was built on Christian values.”

It featured a number of Christian speakers and one Jewish leader, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.

The Orthodox rabbi is a senior scholar at the Tikvah Fund, a Jewish conservative think tank and educational center, and a member of Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission.