Celebrate Shavuot with Your Neighborhood Kehillot
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.
Torah Through the Ancient Art of Papercutting: A Hands-On Workshop
Thursday, May 13 | 7-8:30 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). Out of all the Jewish ritual and folk art forms, papercuts offer the greatest opportunity for elevating a simple material (a sheet of paper) from something ordinary to an object that enhances our Jewish life.
No previous papercutting knowledge is necessary to participate in this workshop. Required supplies: cutting mat and an X-Acto knife (recommended for 15-years-old and up or well supervised).
Old York Road Jewish Learning Fest
Sunday, May 16 | 7 p.m.–noon
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, led by members of the community.
Center City Kehillah Shavuot Learning
Sunday, May 16 | 3-6 p.m. on Zoom
Monday, May 17 | 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.
Bucks County Kehillah’s Journeys in Judaism
Sunday, May 16 | 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Each of us takes hold of Torah in our own way, and each of us has a story to tell. 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. On Shavuot, learn from and be moved by members of our community.
The program will also include music and poetry related to Shavuot.
Torah in Living Color
Monday, May 17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Join the Kehillah of Bux-Mont and Torah in Living Color 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.
The kehillot are part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. For more information about the Kehillot’s Shavuot programs and to register, visit: jewishphilly.org//kehillotshavuot.
