Effective Date: March 2026
1. Introduction
Shabbat Table ("the App") is operated by Shabbat Table, a company registered in Cape Town, South Africa. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use the Shabbat Table mobile application and related services.
By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
2. Data We Collect
We collect the following personal information when you register and use the App:
- Account information: name, email address, phone number, date of birth, password (stored securely hashed)
- Profile information: profile photo, gender, dietary preferences, observance level, synagogue/community affiliation, personal bio
- References: reference name, phone number, and relationship (for community verification)
- Usage data: dinner bookings, hosting history, messages sent within the App
- Location: approximate location for displaying nearby dinner listings (we do not continuously track your location)
- Device information: device token for push notifications
3. How We Use Your Data
Your data is used to:
- Create and manage your account
- Connect Jewish community members for Shabbat dinners
- Facilitate dinner hosting and guest requests
- Send transactional emails (booking confirmations, reminders, updates)
- Send push notifications (if enabled)
- Verify community membership and maintain safety
- Improve the App and user experience
4. Data Sharing
We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties.
- Hosts reviewing requests: When you request to join a dinner, the host sees a limited profile — your name, profile photo, age, observance level, dietary requirements, and community affiliation. Your email address and phone number are never shared with hosts.
- Confirmed guests: The exact dinner address is shared only with guests whose booking has been confirmed by the host.
- Service providers: We use third-party services for infrastructure (MongoDB Atlas on AWS for database hosting, email delivery services for transactional emails). These providers process data on our behalf under strict contractual obligations.
5. Data Storage & Security
- Data is stored in MongoDB Atlas hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- All data is encrypted in transit using TLS/SSL
- Passwords are securely hashed using bcrypt and are never stored in plain text
- Access to production data is restricted to authorized personnel only
6. Cookies & Local Storage
The App uses:
- JWT authentication tokens stored securely on your device to keep you signed in
- Session preferences for app functionality
We do not use third-party tracking cookies or analytics cookies.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data — view your profile information in the App at any time
- Correct your data — edit your profile details within the App
- Delete your account and all associated data — available in App Settings. Account deletion is permanent and removes all your data from our systems.
- Opt out of email and push notifications — adjustable in App Settings
To exercise any of these rights, use the in-app settings or contact us at support@shabbattable.com.
8. POPIA Compliance
Shabbat Table complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of the Republic of South Africa. We process personal information lawfully, for a specific purpose, and only to the extent necessary. You may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your rights have been infringed.
9. Children's Privacy
The App is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Users will be notified of material changes via the App. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact us at:
Shabbat Table
Cape Town, South Africa
Email: support@shabbattable.com