Does Shabbat dinner as a spiritual practice increase social connectedness?
Dr. Adam Cohen, Dr. Arielle Levites, and Aliza Kline are investigating how the ritual of Shabbat dinner fosters social connection and wellbeing.
Their research examines whether the combination of shared food, sacred time, and intentional gathering uniquely enhances feelings of belonging and mitigates loneliness—especially among younger generations seeking meaningful community
In this episode of the Stories of Impact podcast, the research team shares key findings from their TWCF-funded study, highlighting the role of Shabbat dinner in strengthening interpersonal bonds and creating opportunities for deeper social engagement.
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Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. One of its most defining traditions is the Friday night meal, Shabbat dinner, where family and friends gather to light candles, bless bread and wine, and share in a communal experience. But beyond religious significance, could Shabbat dinner be a powerful tool for fostering human flourishing and social wellbeing?
A study led by Dr. Adam Cohen, a professor of psychology at Arizona State University, Dr. Arielle Levites, managing director of the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education at George Washington University, and Aliza Kline, founding CEO of OneTable, investigates how Shabbat dinner impacts social belonging, particularly among young Jewish adults. Their multi-year research, conducted in collaboration with OneTable, a nonprofit that helps young adults find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners (think "Airbnb for Shabbat"), explores whether structured gatherings around food and ritual can enhance wellbeing and create a stronger sense of community.
“People like to gather with a shared purpose and a shared identity,” says Dr. Cohen. “Shabbat dinner provides a natural setting for that, and we wanted to understand the measurable impact of this tradition on social belonging.”
The research team designed a two-year study to analyze whether participating in a Shabbat dinner enhances social connection more than other forms of Friday night gatherings. They tested eight variations of the tradition, isolating factors such as shared food, sacred purpose, and structured ritual to see which contributed most to feelings of belonging.
Dr. Levites explains: "We wanted to know: Is it the food that matters? The group dynamic? The shared intention? Does gathering on Friday night hold unique significance? By breaking down these elements, we aimed to understand which aspects of Shabbat dinner most contribute to social connection."
Over the course of the study, participants reported meaningful improvements in wellbeing. Those who attended Shabbat dinners consistently marked themselves as feeling less lonely and more socially connected afterward. Surprisingly, the presence of food was not a key factor—some groups that gathered without a meal saw even greater increases in wellbeing.
Another notable finding was that Shabbat dinners provided a setting for discussions that don’t often arise in other social settings. Participants were more likely to engage in conversations about Jewish identity, Israel, and anti-Semitism—sometimes leading to challenging but meaningful exchanges.
"Shabbat dinner is not just about social connection," says Dr. Levites. "It's a space where people navigate complex and deeply personal topics. That can be both bonding and uncomfortable, but it shows the unique role of ritual in facilitating deeper relationships.".
Given the success of OneTable in fostering connection among young adults, the researchers are now expanding their study to older generations. Many adults now entering their 50's, especially as "empty nesters" or retirees, are experiencing a sense of disconnection similar to young adults. To address this group, OneTable's new initiative, Together at OneTable, is exploring whether structured, home-based gatherings can support social wellbeing at different life stages.
"What this study tells us," says Kline, "is that a home-based practice like Shabbat dinner can have measurable effects on social connection. That’s an exciting insight—not just for Jewish communities, but for anyone interested in creating meaningful, communal rituals in their own lives."
The findings reinforce a growing body of research suggesting that structured, intentional gatherings—especially those rooted in tradition—play a significant role in combating loneliness. The study also raises broader questions: Could similar rituals be applied in interfaith or secular settings to strengthen social bonds?
For Dr. Cohen, the implications are clear: "Shabbat dinner isn’t just a meal. It’s a structured ritual that brings people together in a meaningful way. Our research suggests that the entire package—the timing, the shared space, the intention—is what makes it powerful."
Tune in to the full episode with the above player and view show notes here.
Learn more about the TWCF-funded project: Extending the Table: Does Shabbat Dinner as a Spiritual Practice Increase Social Connectedness?
View TWCF's Science of Religious and Spiritual Exercises priority.
Built upon the award-winning video series of the same name, Templeton World Charity Foundation’s “Stories of Impact” podcast features stories of new scientific research on human flourishing that translate discoveries into practical tools. Bringing a mix of curiosity, compassion, and creativity, journalist Richard Sergay and producer Tavia Gilbert shine a spotlight on the human impact at the heart of cutting-edge social and scientific research projects supported by TWCF.
