Can you smell blintzes, cheesecakes and all of those dairy goodies in the air? It's Shavuot time!
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. There are many Shavuot customs, such as partaking in the aforementioned dairy products and participating in marathon study sessions (that sometimes last all night!). This year, Shavuot begins Sunday, May 16 at sundown and lasts through Tuesday, May 18.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Kehillot are ready to get you in the Shavuot spirit with a lineup of programs leading up to and on the holiday that the whole family can safely enjoy.
The Tastes of Israeli Cooking
Sunday, May 2, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Let’s put on our aprons and get cooking! In celebration of Shavuot, join the Old York Road Kehillah and virtually learn how to make Sephardic dairy dishes from an Israeli chef from Jewish Federation’s partnership region of Netivot. On the menu will be Israeli salad, bourekas and malabi. To register, click here.
Torah Through the Ancient Art of Papercutting: A Hands-On Workshop
Thursday, May 13, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Papercutting is a traditional Jewish folk art form, made by cutting figures and words in paper or parchment. Join Rabbi Kelilah Miller (Congregation Ohev Shalom, Wallingford), Delaware County Kehillah and Chester County Kehillah for this pre-Shavuot workshop, where you will learn how to create your own special paper art pieces. We will also explore the concept of hiddur mitzvah (beautification of the commandments and rituals). Of all Jewish ritual and folk art forms, papercuts offer us the greatest opportunity for elevating a simple material (a sheet of paper) from something ordinary to an object that enhances our Jewish life.
Required supplies: cutting mat and an Exacto knife (recommended for 15-years-old and up or well supervised). Please contact Shelley Rappaport at delawarecounty@kehillah.jewishphilly.org to purchase a cutting mat at a discounted cost of $5.00.
No previous papercutting knowledge is necessary to participate in this workshop. To register, click here.
Old York Road Jewish Learning Fest
Sunday, May 16, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Let’s virtually celebrate Shavuot with a night of learning. You will have the ability to choose from a lineup of engaging and thought-provoking sessions. To register, click here.
Delicious Rita’s to Celebrate Shavuot!
Sunday May 16, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Old York Road Kehillah would like you to enjoy 25% OFF (kids, small and large sizes) at the Rita’s, located at 1709 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Kosher Certified by Keystone-K Philadelphia. Sign up here for coupon code.
Center City Kehillah Shavuot Learning
Sunday, May 16, 2021 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Zoom
Monday, May 17, 2021 | Various outdoor locations around Center City
Shavuot has long been one of the most celebrated opportunities for our Center City Jewish community to come together, and we’re glad to be able to reimagine our celebration for both virtual and outdoor classes. The first 100 registrants will get a special Shavuot treat emailed to them from the Center City Kehillah right before the holiday.
Register here for the sessions you want to attend. For the full schedule of classes with descriptions, click here.
Journeys in Judaism
Sunday, 16, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Inspired by storytelling programs on public radio, Bucks County Kehillah's community Shavuot virtual gathering will feature several individuals' journeys in Judaism. Hear stories of people who chose Judaism, others who returned to Judaism later in life and those who have been inspired by Judaism for their entire lives. Each of us takes hold of Torah in our own way and each of us has a story to tell. On Shavuot, learn from and be moved by members of our community.
The program will also include music and poetry related to Shavuot. To register, click here.
Torah In Living Color
Monday, May 17, 2021 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Join the Kehillah of Bux-Mont and Torah in Living Color (TLC) for a Shavuot celebration to honor the Torah and artistry of Jews of Color. Enjoy a creative Ma’ariv (evening) service, entertaining and engaging artistic presentations, and learn about Jews in ALL Hues and how you can make a difference. To register, click here.
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The Kehillot are part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. To help support this mission and the vital work being done locally and abroad, consider making a gift.
