Shavuot, which begins at sunset on May 28, commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt. Also originating in an ancient pilgrimage holiday celebrating the grain harvest, today it’s a community observance, with Jews coming together to read the Book of Ruth, eat blintzes, and participate in Tikkun Leil Shavuot, study sessions lasting into the night. Those who attended Havurah’s Shavuot celebration last year will remember the festive spring greenery decorating the sanctuary and the poetry readings and late-night learning we enjoyed together.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Emek Shalom
Through the Gate of Praise: Love and Fear, Intimacy and Retreat
Thursday, May 28, 10 pm onward – RSVP for Zoom link
Rabbbi Benjamin will join Rabbi Joshua, Emily Simon, and others from Emek Shalom in teaching and learning. We often understand praise to mean heaping accolades upon a Divine being. But perhaps praise in the deepest sense is a singing from the heart, whether in grief or joy. We will explore texts ancient and contemporary expressing praise and inviting us into reimagining its relevance in our lives. RSVP here to receive Zoom info.
Shavuot Shabbat Service, Poetry Reading, and even more learning
Friday, May 29, 7 pm onward – Room Aleph
Havurah Shalom celebrates Shavuot during this extraordinary time, when we need our community more than ever. We’ll begin with a short and sweet Shabbat service at 7, led by Rabbi Benjamin. Then stick around for a poetry reading and discussion featuring poems on this year’s congregational theme, Hineinu: we are here. Following the poetry, Rabbi Benjamin will lead Leil Shavuot learning beginning at 9:15. RSVP here. Following your registration, you'll receive copies of the poems and a link to sign up for the discussion of your choice.
Additional opportunities for learning on Shavuot…
Celebrating at Sinai: A Virtual Shavuot Celebration for Reconstructing Judaism
Thursday, May 28, 4:30 pm & Friday, May 29, 7:30 am
RJ's celebration will begin with Kabbalat Hag Song Fest and Candlelighting and continuing with a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot of teaching, learning, movement, and musical offerings through Friday morning. Reconstructionist communities and individuals will be welcome to join RJ's Zoom webinar or view on RJ's Facebook live stream for as much or as little as they would like. Registration and further details here. Watch on Facebook here.
Oregon Board of Rabbis Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
Thursday, May 28, 6 pm - 11:30 pm
All are welcome to learn from Rabbis across the denominational spectrum, and from other students of Judaism from throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Registration and further info here.