Holiday Celebrations

Shavuot (literally “Weeks”) marks the conclusion of the seven week period of counting that begins on the second night of Passover. The two-day holiday is also called Z'man Matan Torateinu, the Season When Our Torah Was Given, as it marks the time when Moses received the commandments at Sinai. Shavuot is also an agricultural holiday, marking the beginning of the summer season. It is traditional on the first night of Shavuot to stay up all night studying Torah, almost as a reenactment of the preparations at Sinai. Liturgical additions include the reading of the Book of Ruth on the recitation of Yizkor memorial prayers on the second day of the festival.

At B’nai Israel, our annual Tikkun Leyl Shavuot (Evening of Study) is often accompanied by a festival dinner with traditional dairy foods. Members of the congregation lead study sessions on various topics and the evening is dedicated to the memories of Rabbi Henry and Yetta Segal. On Shavuot, our congregation also celebrates Confirmation, which recognizes the commitment of our tenth-graders to ongoing Jewish study in the Talmud Torah Upper School.

Shavuot programs

Congregational Shavuot Dinner
Thursday, May 21
6:30 PM
Shavuot is the celebration of revelation, Torah and Dairy! Join us for a delicious dairy meal as we kick off our Shavuot celebrations. We will honor our teens who have participated in learning throughout the year as we usher in the celebration of Shavuot. All are invited to stay after dinner for festival services and the Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. Click here for more information and to register.

Festival Ma’ariv
Thursday, May 21
8:00 PM

Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
Thursday, May 21
8:30 PM
Explore Jewish texts in new and meaningful ways as we engage in this annual late-night tradition of studying Torah on Shavuot. Round-robin sessions will be facilitated by community members, staff, and clergy. Click here to register.

The Tikkun Leyl Shavuot is dedicated in memory of Yetta and Rabbi Henry Siegal.

Shavuot Teen Activities and Ice Cream
Sundae Bar
Thursday, May 21
8:30 PM
Celebrate Shavuot with a sweet night just for teens! Join us for fun, activities, and hanging out with friends—topped off with a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar loaded with all your favorite toppings. Come for the laughs, stay for the sugar rush, and enjoy Shavuot in a festive teen-friendly way. Click here to register.

Shavuot services

Thursday, May 21
Festival Ma’ariv at 8:00 PM

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23