Shavuot means dairy, study and the end of counting the omer
Shavuot, May 24-25, is the third of the pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar year. (Sukkot and Passover are the other two). It commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The word “Shavuot” means “weeks” and marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. It is customary to celebrate Shavuot by studying together, sometimes throughout the whole night. The Book of Ruth is generally read, and it is important to hear the Ten Commandments. Delicious dairy delights cap off the holiday.
In the Valley, the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix is offering a Tikkun Leil Shavuot gathering, a free study program, in preparation for the holiday from 7-9:45 pm on May 21 at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road. Up for discussion is: Seven Weeks Later: Imagine transporting the four children of the seder to Mount Sinai for the giving of the Torah. How would each child – wise, wicked, simple and unable to ask – respond to revelation? The session will consider different ways that Jewish texts have understood the blessing – and burden – of accepting the Torah.
Keynote speaker is Rabbi Dvora E. Weisberg, Ph.D. Rabbi Weisberg is associate professor of rabbinics and director of the School of Rabbinic Studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Her book, Levirate Marriage and the Family in Ancient Judaism (University Press of New England/Brandeis University Press, 2009), explores the ancient rabbis’ vision of the family and the roles of individuals within it; it was a finalist in the 2009 National Jewish Book Awards. jewishphoenix.org
The Valley Israel Center is hosting Shavuot at the JCC at 7 pm on May 20. Those attending are asked to dress in white and to bring their “bikkurim” (first fruits), another important symbol of Shavuot. These crops are barley, dates, figs, grapes, olives, pomegranates and wheat. Modern versions of the bikkurim may include other crops now grown in Israel or other Jewish communities around the world. The celebration will be an Israeli kibbutz style. 480-634-4900, ext. 1109, shahare@vosjcc.org
Temple Emanu-El in Tucson will be having its all-night Tikkun Leil Shavuot Service on May 23, starting at 8 pm with a study session following. Since Shavuot is also a time to traditionally eat dairy foods, there will be a cheesecake bake-off. Participants are asked to bring a cheesecake or other dairy dessert to share, and the group will “study together for as long as we have energy!” Free. 225 N Country Club Road, 520-327-4501, templeemanueltucson.org
Congregation Anshei Israel in Tucson celebrates Tikkun Leil Shavuot May 23, with a service starting at 7:45 pm; dairy dinner 8 pm; first study session 8:45 pm; second study session 9:40 pm; dessert 10:30 pm; and the traditional reading of the Book of Ruth at 11 pm. At 8:45 pm Rabbi Dr. Howard Schwartz will present “The Ten Commandments: What do we do with them? What would we do without them?” and at 9:40 pm Rabbi Robert Eisen will present “The Book of Who? Tobit: An ancient novel for Shavuot.” No charge for service and study sessions; dinner $8 per person with RSVP by May 20. RSVP to Barb at 520-745-5550, ext. 242, or at caiaz.org.
5550 E Fifth Street in Tucson.
Mark Yom Yerushalayim with film May 17
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel declared Jerusalem Day a minor religious holiday to thank God for victory in the Six-Day War and for answering the 2,000-year-old prayer of “Next Year in Jerusalem.”
In Israel some people mark Yom Yerushalayim by traveling or hiking to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem a public reception by the mayor of Jerusalem, state ceremonies and memorial services for those who died in the Six-Day War are also held. In the rest of the world it is marked with a range of events in many Jewish communities. These include: recitations of the Hallel prayer for praise and thanksgiving in synagogues; street parades, parties, singing and dancing; special meals; and lectures on the history and future of Jerusalem.
Congregation Anshei Israel in Tucson is showing the film “I Am a Jerusalemite,” starring legendary Israeli singer Yehoram Gaon at 7 pm on May 17. Although born in Jerusalem, Gaon was, like all Jews, forbidden from entering most of the city until the 1967 reunification. This fascinating documentary follows Gaon’s exploration of his city, from his grandfather’s simple home to the Western Wall and the Old City’s open markets. Along the way, he performs eight of his most-loved songs that pay tribute to his birthplace. There is no charge. 5550 E Fifth St. in Tucson.
520-745-5550, caiaz.org
