Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Loneliness and social fragmentation have emerged as urgent public health concerns, underscoring the need for accessible practices that foster social connection and promote holistic health. This study examined Shabbat dinner, comprising its core features—communal meals, intention, and the marking of sacred time—and investigated how these components impacted social, mental, and physical health. Methods Young adult participants (n = 1,019) were recruited via OneTable and self-selected into either the Shabbat dinner or another Friday night social activity condition. Surveys measuring mental, physical, and social health were administered to each participant on the Thursday before Shabbat dinner. A second survey was administered the Sunday after and change scores were computed. Regression models were used, with covariates such as age, gender, race, SES, social network diversity, and Jewish belonging adjusted for. Results We found that an ongoing moderate level of participation in Shabbat dinners over the last twelve months was associated with lower depressive and social anxiety symptoms. Additionally, participation in a one-time Shabbat dinner was associated with greater improvements in general loneliness and social well-being than participation in another social activity on a Friday night, with the most pronounced benefit observed among those who were most socially isolated. All gatherings demonstrated benefits; however, these positive effects were particularly pronounced for religious/sacred gatherings held on Friday (Shabbat), which benefited both guests and hosts. Conclusions These exploratory findings may inform strategies for developing accessible, flexible practices that can be adapted across faith and civic contexts to address the crises of loneliness and social fragmentation.</p>