For generations and hundreds of years, on the eve of Shavuot, Jews from across the globe have gathered in their communities for an evening of study. This evening of study, which often goes late until the wee hours of the morning, is set up to prepare us to “receive” the Torah once more, like we did at Mount Sinai.
We can visualize the generations past, sometimes en masse, coming together in loud crowded rooms, as well as the times in history when perhaps only a family was able to gather in secret to study throughout the night.
The value of family study and passing on our traditions from generation to generation is a very prominent one here at Temple Emanu-El. I received an email just this week from a congregational family that has three generations at TE, and they were very excited that ALL THREE generations would be studying Hebrew this Spring and into the summer with fellow Temple Emanu-El members.
I couldn’t help but pause when I read the email, what a BEAUTIFUL thing for THREE generations to be studying together, at the same time, right here in our synagogue community. We say yasher koach (may you be strengthened), and b’hatzlacha (good luck!) for meaningful learning ahead.
Whether you are looking for a little Hebrew prayer refresher in your life or a night of learning with your rabbis and clergy from up and down the east coast on Shavuot, the opportunity for growth is here for the taking.
There are still spots available for our Hebrew 201 course. For dates and registration, click HERE. If you have questions about the course, contact Rabbi Rachael HERE.
The Standing at Sinai-Erev Shavuot Program begins this Sunday at 6:30pm. Rabbi Rachael is teaching at 7:30pm, Rabbi Max at 8:30pm, and for those night owls, Rabbi Spike is teaching at 10:30pm. To register click HERE. Questions? Contact Rabbi Max HERE.
