Shabachi – A Sizzling Spin on Shabbat
Shabachi dinner made possible through JGather grants
On November 14, Jordan Rosenbaum turned a typical Friday evening into something unforgettable when he hosted Shabachi, a fusion of Shabbat traditions with the fiery flair of Hibachi grilling, for a group of 12 friends.
What began as a lighthearted idea quickly transformed into a spirited night full of flavor, laughter, ritual, and connection. It was a challah meets chopsticks evening, with Torah-yaki tableside entertainment with blessings, laughter, and community connection. It was a meaningful Jewish gathering with a flavorful twist.
Held in Jordan’s back deck, the event brought together the warmth of Shabbat traditions with the excitement of a hibachi-style dinner. Guests said the blessing over the wine, challah, and candles, and experienced the joy of a Shabbat meal, all while the grill master flipped veggies in the air. They brought the heat to Shabbat.
Jordan shared that the idea grew out of his love for hosting and his desire to try something fresh while still honoring Shabbat. “I love bringing people together in ways that feel unique while remaining deeply rooted in tradition,” he said. “Shabachi was my way of doing something different—playful, memorable, and still respectful of what makes Shabbat special.”
Events like Jordan’s are made possible through JGather, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, which provides engagement grants that empower individuals and organizations to design and host their own meaningful Jewish experiences. These neighborhood-based microgrants are more than financial support—they are a strategic investment in building community, deepening Jewish identity, and expanding belonging across Atlanta.
What makes these engagement grants unique is their flexibility. Hosts choose the date, location, guest list, and the type of experience that best reflects the needs and interests of their community. Whether someone wants to organize a Shabbat picnic, a challah bake, a meditation circle, a book club, or something completely outside the box, like Shabachi, Federation’s JGather initiative provides resources, guidance, and structure to bring it to life.
“I loved how easy JGather made the whole process. They weren’t looking for perfection; they wanted authenticity. That gave me the freedom to create something that felt personal to me and welcoming to others,” Jordan explained. “Being able to design an experience that reflects your own personality makes it easier to show up as your full self—and I think people really feel that.”
For the guests, the evening delivered more than a fun meal. It created a space where new friendships could form, existing relationships could deepen, and Jewish connection could grow in an organic, accessible way. From shared blessings to shared bites, the night was a reminder that Jewish life is at its strongest when it is creative, welcoming, and rooted in community.
Jordan hopes Shabachi becomes the first of many gatherings like it. “We need more spaces like this—places where people can just show up, be themselves, and feel part of something,” he said.
Interested in hosting your own Jewish experience—simple, creative, or completely one-of-a-kind? Grants for January and February are now open – apply here!