SPECIAL SHAVUOT LEARNING PROGRAM

Shavuot is the time of receiving of the Torah. Each year it is customary to try to duplicate some of the excitement and joy and once again re-discover our roots in the Torah. We study, discuss, debate and learn on all different levels, joining together as our ancestors did at Sinai.

This night of study comes to a dramatic close with prayer at sunrise.
Come and take part in any or all of this exciting approach to celebrating Shavuot.

FOR MEN AND WOMEN
RABBI REUBEN J. POUPKO and other Rabbi's of the community will be conducting study sessions beginning at midnight on Sunday evening, June 8 at Kollel Torah Mitzion which is located at Hebrew Academy. The study sessions will continue until sunrise at which time the morning services will take place.

Tikkun Del Shavuot
The main celebration of Shavuot is the study of Torah. The custom, therefore, is to spend the first night of the Holiday engaged in intensive study of traditional Jewish texts. There are those who stay awake the entire night engaged in learning. Tikkun refers to the program of study specifically designed for Shavuot night and it includes selections from Chumash, and Zohar.

Akdamut
Before the reading of the Torah, on the first day of Shavuot, a beautiful 90 stanza poem is chanted in the Synagogue. This poem, written in the nineteenth century, begins with praises to G-d, as the creator of the heaven and earth. The second part of the poem narrates a dialogue between persecuted Israel and its hostile enemies, and concludes with a description of the Messianic Era.

Book of Ruth
The story of Ruth is read on the second day of Shavuot. One reason given for this custom, is that Ruth is a symbol of what all the Israelites experienced when receiving the Torah. With the giving of the Torah, Israelites were''converted" to a new faith. Therefore, on Shavuot we read the story of the most famous convert to our people.

Traditional Shavuot Dishes
It is customary to eat dairy meals on Shavuot, such as cheese cake, or cheese dishes. These are said to be suggestive of the Torah which is symbolically described as "honey and milk". In addition, eating dairy dishes separate from other meals, reflects the impact of the Torah on everyday life, being that the Torah teaches separation of milk and meat.

SHAVUOT YOUTH ACTIVITY:

Come join us on Tuesday, June 10 at 4:30 p.m. for our ever popular
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM SUNDAE party.
For pre-school and elementary aged children.
Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

SHAVUOT LINKS:

Virtual Shavuot : A complete guide on "Celebrating The Giving of the Torah"