Tikkun Leil Shavuot

Wrestle with pressing issues across the breadth and depth of our tradition. Following services, sample some of the topics we've been learning in our Study Circles program this year and get a taste of small-group learning with our clergy and educators as part of the tradition to study Torah on the eve of Shavuot.

Session 1 / 8:00–8:45 pm

From Slavery to Creativity: Freedom as Artistic Expression
Ellen Alt
Zoom
How does the icon of the Ten Commandments influence, inspire, and inform our journey from Sinai to synagogue life?

What's the 11th Commandment?
Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky
Zoom
Many people have made arguments for an 11th commandment. A law that is so important it should be added to the Big Ten. We will look at some of the 11th commandments suggested throughout history and discuss the ways in which Torah can grow.

Women Called to the Torah: Rabbi Judah Nadich, PAS, and the Evolution of Jewish Law
Rabbi Neil Zuckerman
Zoom
Using our rich audio archives as a guide, explore how PAS clergy grappled with and championed change in Jewish life and ritual at the synagogue, starting with the bimah.

Session 2 / 8:45–9:30 pm

Very Superstitious
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove
Zoom
What is the line between superstition and organized religion? Does God really care if mitzvot are performed correctly? Do we? Isn’t it just the thought that counts? Discuss in a text-based dialogue on this age-old question.

Mipnei Tikkun Olam
Rabbi Viki Bedo
Zoom
In our Tikkun Leil Talmud study, we'll look at the expression mipnei tikkun olam, “because the repairing/betterment of the world” as it appears in a particular example in the Talmud. You might be in for a surprise as to how the rabbis interpret tikkun olam!

Crucial Lessons on Well-Being from the Book of Ruth
Karin Lagziel
Zoom
With no Earth-shattering miracles, the book of Ruth teaches us about how to live a life of value and purpose and how to walk in the way of another without losing your own path. Using this sacred text as a guide, draw from transformative practices to lead a meaningful life.