So much of what emanates from the Federation focuses on combating antisemitism and enhancing security for our Jewish community. I’m incredibly proud of our work in both areas. But it’s worth asking: why do we focus so heavily on this space?
The answer is simple: so, we can live rich, meaningful Jewish lives. That’s where Tikkun Leil Shavuot—our annual night of study—comes into play.
Since our very first community-wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot, I’ve said and written the same thing: this is my absolute favorite night of the year in Jewish Pittsburgh. Few communities can pull off a night of Jewish learning that brings together educators from across the spectrum of Jewish practice and belief, with sessions on a wide range of topics and participants representing the full diversity of our Pittsburgh Jewish community.
This year’s Tikkun Leil Shavuot takes place on Sunday, June 1, from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM at the JCC in Squirrel Hill (with sincere thanks to the JCC for their continued partnership in this wonderful program).
Here’s just a sample of the session titles, led by our remarkable Pittsburgh rabbis and educators:
- Henry Ford & Elon Musk: American Jews & the Cars We Drive
- The Stiff-Necked People: A Blessing or a Curse?
- The Voice at Sinai: Hearing Torah Anew in Each Generation
- Understanding Chosenness (taught by our own H. Arnold & Adrian B. Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff)
I’m sharing this now so you can plan to join us on June 1. Come for one hour—or stay for all three. And yes, there will be free cheesecake!
I’m not trying to be cute. I mean it seriously when I say: let’s use this night to embrace Jewish joy—and forget about the “oy.”
Shabbat Shalom.