Be Part of History

In 2014, Tel Aviv’s White City Shabbat set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the largest Shabbat dinner in history with 2,226 guests. The following year, Berlin edged ahead with 2,322.

Now it’s our turn.

On November 21, 2025, the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center will welcome 3,000 people of all ages to enjoy a delicious Shabbat meal, vibrant music, and rich tradition—and together, claim the record for the largest Shabbat dinner in history.

This extraordinary evening is part of a two-part series celebrating the Joys of Being Jewish. Whether you’re cultural, spiritual, (un)affiliated, or just curious, this is your invitation to a night unlike any other.

Come to New York. Break bread. Break the record. Come together as one proud community.

Friday, November 21, 2025
North Javits, New York City

• Bus departs the JCC at 3:30 PM
• Doors open at 5:45 PM
• 6:00 PM The celebration begins with sumptuous appetizers, live music and entertainment before guests take their seats for the BIG Shabbat dinner.
• Attendees must remain until 8:30 PM to be counted toward the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD®
• 8:45 PM Shabbat Oneg continues the celebration with desserts and live music.
• JCC Bus Returns to Bridgewater: between 10:30–11:00 PM

Register

Q&A

What’s on the Big Shabbat Table?
- A festive, certified Kosher vegetarian dairy meal will be served, procured from a facility which operates under the RcBc supervision. The Shabbat meal will be served family-style for 3,000 guests, prepared by a team of 10 chefs, 45 chef assistants and 156 servers. The menu has been curated by four of today’s most celebrated voices in Jewish food who have enlivened modern shabbat tables around the world.
- Beejhy Barhany, Jake Cohen, Joan Nathan, Adeena Sussman

What’s required of me to help break the Guinness World Record?
- You must check in by 6:30 PM and remain physically present at the dinner until 8:30 PM to be counted toward the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.

I have dietary restrictions, how will The BIG Shabbat handle this?
- Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options will be available throughout the evening. With 3,000 guests, we aren't able to handle individual requests and cannot guarantee against cross-contamination since foods may come into contact with allergens during prep and service. If you have severe allergies, you will want to make sure you are comfortable with these guidelines before you commit to the event. 

This program is supported in part by a grant from The Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ.

For more information on the event, please visit https://www.thebigshabbat.com