Shavuot

Evening of Sunday, May 16 through Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Schedule of Observances and Events

Recipes & Reminiscing: Blintzes

Community Tikkum Leil Shavuot

Yizkor Service

Recipes & Reminiscing: Shavuot & Blintzes

Sunday, May 16, 2021
1:30 p.m., online

Register here
 

Together we will schmooze and share memories and recipes. Temple Beth Shalom congregants Ruth, Alla, and Carly will demonstrate how to make blintzes (yum!). Don't want to cook? Please still join us to schmooze and share recipes and stories! This class is open to all, so feel free to share with your family and friends.

Please submit a favorite kugel, blintz, or other family recipe to carlybjohnson@gmail.com by Thursday, May 13. Recipes will be compiled and shared during class. Shavuot is a holiday when we typically eat dairy-laden fare, but you are welcome to submit anything that is delicious and that you'd like to share with the group!

Ingredient/material list to be emailed once your registration is completed. Shavuot starts the evening of May 16, so you make blintzes with us you'll have a treat ready for the night!

Congregation Agudas Achim, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth Shalom, and Shalom Austin presents our community-wide 5781 Tikkun Leil Shavuot. This year's theme is "Into the Unknown: How Do Our Jewish Values Help Us Manage Uncertainty?" 

The event will feature live, virtual talks across four different themes of learning. Two keynote panels kick off the night: "Navigating Uncertainty Through a Jewish Lens" moderated by Rabbi Neil Blumofe and featuring local clergy and medical experts, as well as "Ahavat Ger: Caring for People Experiencing Homelessness" moderated by Rabbi Amy Cohen and featuring community member Haggai Eshed and other honored guests.  

Our own Rabbi Alan Freedman and Rabbi Eleanor Steinman will present the following session:

Lessons from Bamidbar: Journeying Toward an Uncertain Future

Sunday, May 16, 2021
10:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

 

A full list of classes is available here. 

No registration required; simply click on the class you are interested in to join by Zoom.

Yizkor Service

Monday, May 17
8:00 a.m., by Zoom

Members: Access the link on the Zoom Links for Members webpage
Non-members: Register here

Please join our clergy online as we honor our deceased loved ones at the Yizkor service. 

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.  

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.

Musical Resources

For Kids:

• Debbie Friedman song on YouTube: The 613 Commandments

For All Ages:

• Ruth and Naomi
• The Book of Ruth: a music video for Shavuot
• Duet Inspired by Ruth and Naomi

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.