May 28-29, 2020
What is Shavuot?
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for "weeks" and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which occurs seven weeks after Passover.
Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest.
In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and actively choosing to participate in Jewish life.
Read Rabbi Cohen's Message About Shavuot
Schedule
Ascent to Sinai: A Four-Part Series
Tuesdays: May 5, 12, 19, 26, 7:00 p.m.
As we prepare for Shavuot, the anniversary of the giving of the Law at Sinai, we will explore the role of Torah (written and oral) in our daily lives. Led by Rabbi Freedman. Learn more.
Community-Wide Study Opportunities
Stepping Again Toward Sinai: Renewal of Body, Mind and Spirit
Thursday, May 28, 2020
All night! 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Join Austin-area rabbis, clergy, and religious leaders in a community-wide, all-night learning tradition. Rabbi Cohen will be teaching Leadership during Crisis: Jewish Women from the Bible through Today who Found Strength and Joy in Challenging Times; Rabbi Freedman will be teaching Renewing the Covenant: Eugene Borowitz, the leading Reform theologian of the late 20th century.
See the full schedule. Links to join by Zoom will be added to the page closer to the event date.
Reform Movement Tikkun Leil Shavuot - Evening of Learning
Thursday, May 28, 7:00 p.m. to midnight
Come together with the Reform Movement for Tikkun Leil Shavuot – an evening of learning, music, prayer, and poetry. Together, we will delve into the beauty, complexity, and joy of Torah. Join us for one, two, three, or all four hours--see more information and how to register.
Shavuot with Temple Beth Shalom
Yizkor Study and Service & Shavuot Discussion
Join one (or all) the morning’s opportunities via Zoom.
(RSVP required by Thursday, May 28, at 3:00 p.m.)
Friday, May 29
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Conversion from the Book of Ruth through Modernity
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Yizkor Service
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Virtual Breakfast--Bring your blintzes and a cup of coffee for a community and dairy-filled gathering.
Confirmation of Our Youth &
Shabbat Service
Friday, May 29
7:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate confirmation during our live Shabbat service: BethShalomAustin.org/livestream.
What is confirmation? Learn about the Reform Jewish roots of confirmation.
More Shavuot Ideas
Further Study:
- Take a deep dive into the values found within the scripture (we promise, it’s not just for preschoolers!).
- Explore The Book of Ruth.
Food (Dairy! Dairy! Dairy!)
Food is always a fun way to celebrate and create tradition.
- Learn more about why dairy plays a role in Shavuot foods.
- Explore some great dairy meal ideas.
- Check out The Great Big Jewish Food Fest, including a discussion called Shavuot in the Sephardic Kitchen on Thursday, May 21. It’s free, RSVP is required.
Family Activities
There are plenty of ways to celebrate and learn about Shavuot with children of all ages:
- PJ Library has a wealth of ideas and resources.
- Learn alongside Sesame Street characters as they explore the holiday:
- Explore Shavuot values, such as tzedakah, loyalty, kindness, and compassion found within the scripture.
- Mount Sinai was blooming with flowers when the Israelites arrived. Make your own flower decorations!
- Sadie and the Big Mountain by Rabbi Jamie Korngold (a PJ Library book, available on Kindle)
Musical Resources
For Kids:
For All Ages:
- Jewish Folk Songs
- Ruth and Naomi
- The Book of Ruth: a music video for Shavuot
- Duet Inspired by Ruth and Naomi
ABOUT Shavuot
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for "weeks" and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which occurs seven weeks after Passover.
Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest.
In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and actively choosing to participate in Jewish life.