Shavuot marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer and the day the Torah was given at Mount Sinai. It is one of the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals mandated by the Torah.

Beginning on the second day of Passover, the Torah mandates a 49-day (seven-week) counting period (the Counting of the Omer), which culminates in the 50th day, Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks expresses anticipation and desire for the Giving of the Torah. At Passover, the Jewish people were freed from being slaves to Pharaoh; at Shavuot they accepted the Torah and became a nation committed to serving God.

     Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 7:30 PM

Tikkun Lel Shavuot

In excitment & anticipation of receiving the Torah, our ancestors stayed up late into the night. A midrash teaches that at midnight the Israelites were given a glimpse into the realm of the Holy One! With all that is taking place in Israel, we reflect on the centrality and importance of the land of Israel in Jewish thought and literature.

The service is followed by Tikkun Leyl Shavuot at 9:00 pm, following the custom of studying late into the night. The subject will be: Judaism of the Heart, Judaism of the Body, Judaism of the Mind: The Many Paths of Jewish Spirituality.

What does it mean to be “spiritual”? What does it mean to be “religious”? Does Judaism teach us to focus on what is in our own heart; or on important ideas about G-d, morality, and history; or on the fate and concerns of other people? The first session begins at the synagogue with the following topics of discussion:

The first session begins at the synagogue with the following topics of discussion:

  • Myth and History: Where Judaism stands today
  • What kinds of Judaism don’t you believe in?

    •      Tuesday, June 3, 11:30 PM - 1:00 AM

    The second session is at the Rabbi and Ruth-Ann’s home, 8 Hidden Lake Drive, North Brunswick. The discussion continues with the following topics:

  • Does ritual take us closer to G-d, or further away?
  • Does G-d command us today? Did he command us at Sinai?
  • Why is it hard to pray?
  • Communal spirituality: When being yourself is not enough.

    • Our discussions will be based on the articles in Sh’ma magazine’s April 2014/Nissan 5774 edition. Copies are available in the CBT office for preview.

         Wednesday, June 4, 10:00 AM

    Bikkurim: First Fruits

    During the period of the Temple, our ancestors would bring the first of their ripening crops as a gift to the Sanctuary. For them, it was an expression of appreciation for God's blessing. We can emulate our Israelite ancestors by recognizing our bounty through sharing with those in need.

    Evening Ma'ariv Service - 8:00 PM

    Another expression of our Bikkurim involves the children born in our congregation since last Shavuot. Parents are invited to bring their newborn to the steps of the bima for a special blessing.

         Thursday, June 5, 9:30 AM

    2nd Day of Shavuot - Ice Cream Sundae Kiddush

    For centuries Jews have engaged in the study of rabbinic texts. As we end Shavuot we join together to hear the words of Sinai echoing across the generations and resonating in the words of our sages of blessed memory. We will focus on the Mishna, a compilation of laws touching on all aspects of life, personal & communal, ritual & real world.

    Mincha following Kiddush

    Evening Ma'ariv Service - 8:00 PM

    Shavuot ends at 9:00 PM