In a powerful display of unity and faith, Maman Nonprofit, in partnership with Patricia Heaton’s organization O7C, hosted a 300-foot-long Christian and Jewish Unity Table in downtown Los Angeles. The event, held on Sunday, July 28th, brought together members of both communities to break bread and share in a time of fellowship, music, and mutual respect.
The event was more than just a communal meal; it was a symbolic gesture of solidarity in the face of rising antisemitism. Heaton, known for her iconic roles in Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, has long been an advocate for the Jewish community. Through O7C, or the October 7th Coalition, she has committed herself to standing visibly and vocally against antisemitism.
In her remarks, Heaton emphasized the significance of the Unity Table, stating, “When O7C was created, I envisioned unity tables in the tradition of Shabbat, bringing together Jews and Christians in a new way to show support for each other and our shared values. Breaking bread together and sharing stories and songs strengthens our communities and reminds us of our connected heritage.”
Sara Raoof Jacobs, founder of Maman Nonprofit, also shared her thoughts on the event, highlighting the importance of this collaboration: “Maman is honored to unite and activate the community as we work alongside Patricia Heaton, such a powerhouse visionary who is paving the way for a united front in combating antisemitism here in the United States. The mission is clear, for Jews and Christians to come together and lift each other up during these historically difficult times for the Jewish nation.”
Maman Nonprofit, the largest lean, women-led aid organization in Los Angeles, has been at the forefront of providing immediate support to survivors, IDF soldiers, and displaced Israeli civilians following the October 7th attack. Their work includes dispatching essential supplies to Israel, organizing interfaith events to combat antisemitism, pioneering mental health initiatives for trauma survivors, and supporting displaced kibbutzim in Israel.
The Unity Table event featured contributions from Rabbis, Pastors, and other community leaders, all of whom underscored the importance of finding common ground in these divisive times. Attendees were encouraged to bring challah bread, a staple in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and the sharing of a sacred meal.
As Heaton put it, “Our Unity Table was a first-ever moment of coming together at a holy table. People left changed, and we want to continue to encourage these holy spaces. When you break bread together, there is a bond and a unity that deepens and quickens. It’s how we are meant to be together.”
Jacobs added, “This profound unity needs to exist and grow as we move past this wave of antisemitism. It’s a blessing to have strong allies like Patricia and the girls at O7C who sacrifice so much to stand united with our nation and our right to exist.”
The 300-foot table, stretching through a private location in Los Angeles, was a visual representation of the unity that O7C and Maman Nonprofit seek to foster between Christians and Jews. This event was a significant step in building stronger ties between the two communities, reminding everyone of their shared heritage and the importance of standing together.
