Shavuot – The Time of the Giving of Our Torah

On Sunday June 1st, IJC and Beth Hillel came together in record numbers to celebrate Shavuot together. We started with Erev Shabbat services in Hebrew, French and English, enjoyed a sumptuous potluck dinner with all the usual dairy suspects and much more besides… We then gathered for a music workshop organized by Beth Hillel’s choral group Ça Sonne שָׂשׂוֹן, led by Beth Hillel’s Elise C., sharing some familiar melodies and learning some new ones.

The remainder of the evening was dedicated to a series of workshops on typical Shavuot-related themes, including reflections on the Ten Commandments/ Words, some rabbinical reflections on Abraham, and Tenakh study. We were also treated to a special presentation on the pomegranate by IJC’s Tiene B, focusing on its symbolic, medicinal and mystical features. While the various study workshops were going on, IJC’s Sarah Struglia offered a kitchen workshop preparing Shavuot staples but with an Italian twist (see photos).

In addition to prayer, food and workshops, Beth Hillel’s podcast team Mosaïques were busy in the library recording reflections on the gifts we have received or given this year and their significance and impact, guided by Olivier and Caroline, and in multiple languages. 

Shavuot is known as the Festival of Giving the Torah. Why not ‘receiving’ the Torah some of the sages asked? The Torah was given once in Sinai, they responded, but we are blessed to receive it every day and in multiple ways, often from those with whom we share life and community. We certainly received Torah from one another during this wonderful Shavuot celebration.

By Rabbi Brian