Français
Español
English
Portuguese
President Donald Trump issued a statement encouraging Jewish Americans to participate in the national Sabbath.
By Shula Rosen
Jewish Americans across the United States marked a nationally encouraged Shabbat beginning Friday evening, May 15, as part of events tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The observance, which lasted from sundown Friday through nightfall Saturday, was promoted by the White House during Jewish American Heritage Month as a weekend of prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection.
President Donald Trump issued a statement encouraging Jewish Americans to participate in what he described as a national Sabbath connected to the country’s semiquincentennial.
“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,” Trump said in the statement.
The president described the observance as a tribute to “the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”
The White House tied the initiative to the broader history of Jewish contributions to the United States, stating: “This Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the countless contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our nation’s 250 glorious years of independence.”
Trump’s statement also referenced President George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in which Washington wrote that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
The statement additionally addressed antisemitism and campus unrest. Trump said his administration was “aggressively fighting the violence against Jewish Americans” and “working to end the scourge of antisemitism throughout our institutions, especially on college campuses.”
The Shabbat observance was followed Sunday by “Rededicate 250,” a Christian prayer and worship gathering held on the National Mall in Washington as part of the broader 250th anniversary commemorations.
Organizers described the event as a nationwide gathering focused on scripture, testimony, worship music, and prayer for the future of the United States.
The program included themes centered on American history, faith, and national reflection and was livestreamed through churches, ministries, and partner organizations across the country.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
