WASHINGTON (November 24, 2025) – As Thanksgiving Day approaches, new research is challenging long-held assumptions about what makes the holiday meaningful. According to a study led by Dr. Arielle Levites, Managing Director of Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education and Associate Research Professor at the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development and co-authored by Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad at Brigham Young University, it’s not the food that makes us feel connected—it’s the act of gathering itself.
The researchers studied over 1,000 participants to explore how shared rituals, such as the Jewish Shabbat dinner, impact social connection. Their findings show that participants who gathered for meaningful social experiences—whether or not food was involved—reported reduced loneliness and stronger social well-being.
“Our findings suggest that food brings people to the table, but it’s what happens around the table that truly matters,” said Dr. Arielle Levites. “Thanksgiving offers a sacred opportunity to pause, connect, and strengthen our relationships. The meaning isn’t in the menu—it’s in the moment.”
The study’s implications extend beyond Thanksgiving, offering insights into how Americans can rebuild social connection amid rising isolation and polarization.
Key Findings:
- Gathering socially—regardless of food—increases social well-being and reduces loneliness.
- The most socially isolated individuals benefit the most from these gatherings.
- Rituals that mark time as “special” (like Thanksgiving or Shabbat dinners) can repair social bonds and strengthen communities.
To speak with Arielle Levites on this research, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu (skylers[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-