Come join in the traditional learning to celebrate the first night of Shavuot, the festival of the receiving of the Torah and of the grain harvest. We have an excellent slate of teachers who will speak on all sorts of topics—no background knowledge required, just an interest in Jewish learning. Topics include our spiritual and communal interconnectedness, the prayers and music of Hallel, suffering and our place in the world, and so much more.

The program will run on Saturday, June 4 from 7:00 pm to 12:15 am; feel free to join for as much as you'd like. There will be (dairy and non-dairy) desserts too. Later on, all are welcome to meet in front of BEKI at 3 am for a hike up West Rock and davening at sunrise from the South Lookout. (Bring your own flashlight.) Contact Max at duboff.max@gmail.com with any questions.

7:00 pm Opening niggun

7:15 pm Session 1, Annie Norman-Schiff, "What is Midrash Rabbah?"

8:00 pm Shabbat minchah

8:25 pm Session 2, Jennifer Botwick, "The Tree of Life"

9:15 pm Shavuot maariv

9:30 pm Desserts

9:45 pm Session 3, Marga Hirsch, "How to Hallel"

10:30 pm Session 4, Jennifer Klein, "Can a Lake Stand?: The Boundaries of Law and Autonomy"

11:15 pm Desserts

11:30 pm Session 5, Rabbi Woodward, Being Watched: God in Ruth Rabbah

3:00 am West Rock sunrise hike, Max DuBoff