Get ready to treat yourself to cheesecake, ice cream and blintzes — because Shavuot is almost here.
Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai and the grain harvest in the summer. This year, the holiday is from Sunday evening, June 1 through Tuesday night, June 3.
Traditionally, Shavuot is celebrated by immersive Torah study that can last late into the night and by enjoying dairy dishes. One popular explanation for the custom points to honoring the mitzvah of kashrut, emphasizing the separation of meat and dairy.
“The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is dedicated to creating meaningful ways for people across the region to engage with Jewish life,” said Director of Community Development Max Moline. "Holidays, like Shavuot, remind us of our enduring connection to Jewish tradition, while also giving the community an opportunity to celebrate our identity with Jewish pride.”
The Jewish Federation is partnering on several exciting programs to get into the Shavuot spirit. These events are open to all community members.
Pressed Flower Workshop
Wednesday, May 21 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Chabad of Doylestown
Join artist Nancy W. Taylor to craft pressed flower art in celebration of Shavuot. Learn how to arrange, adhere and frame your own unique 6x6 display. To register, click here.
Kids in the Kitchen
Sunday, May 25 | 10 - 11 a.m.
Lubavitch of Bucks County
Bake, decorate and dig in! Join Lubavitch of Bucks County for a Shavuot celebration where kids will craft their own cheesecakes and have a blast while doing it. To register, click here.
Shavuot Flower Arranging
Thursday, May 29 | 6:30 p.m.
Moishe House Philadelphia
Build your own bouquet of flowers! Celebrate spring and learn about the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, and its symbolic relationship to flowers and springtime! To register, click here.
Shavuot: Bites & Bite-Sized Torah
Sunday, June 1 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Get ready for a night of delicious food and bite-sized Torah study at the Weitzman. The Torah program will include an opportunity for everyone to teach a verse of Torah to small groups and explain how it relates to their life. To register, click here.
Center City Night of Jewish Learning
Sunday, June 1 - Monday, June 2 | 9:30 p.m. - 4:45 a.m.
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
Celebrate the holiday of Shavuot with an evening filled with discourse, community and delicious desserts throughout the night. To register, click here.
Shavuot Late-Night Study Cafe
Sunday, June 1 - Monday, June 2 | 11:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Lubavitch of Yardley
Explore current issues through the lens of the Torah while enjoying refreshments and coffee. Classes will be presented by Rabbi Yehuda Shemtov and Rabbi Zalman Blecher. To register, click here.
Celebrate Shavuot
Monday, June 2 | 6:30 p.m.
Chabad of Doylestown
Join the Chabad of Doylestown to hear the 10 commandments and enjoy a delicious buffet. To register, click here.
Celebrate Shavuot
Monday, June 2 | 11 a.m.
Lubavitch of Yardley
Join the Chabad of Doylestown to hear the 10 commandments and enjoy a delicious buffet. Top off a delicious lunch with a gourmet cheesecake and ice cream bar! To register, click here.
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Kehillah programming is part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more by visiting jewishphilly.org/kehillah or email community@jewishphilly.org.