USY/ Kadima Shavuot 2021

Join us as we usher in the holiday of Shavuot with study, discussions, and fun! Each half hour will bring an exciting new program. Register now to participate in just one or attend them all! 

Sunday, May 16, 2021
Programs start at 4 PM

 USY Registration (Grades 8-12)  Kadima Registration (Grades 5-7)

USY Schedule:

• 4:00 PM EST – Orpah & Oprah & Harry & Meghan & Ruth & Naomi: Oh my! (led by Anne Hope)
  • Come explore how the modern story of the royal couple of Harry & Meghan compares and contrasts with that of Ruth and Naomi. An exploration of love and loyalty, changing beliefs, and broader perspectives.
• 4:30 PM EST – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai: the Man, the Myth, the Legend (led by Andy Weissfeld)
  • Many of us witnessed the recent tragedy in northern Israel at the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Lag Ba’Omer. But who is this ancient Rabbi and why is he so significant? Come to this session to find out.
• 5:00 PM EST – Mental Health in Judaism (led by Daniel Warshawsky)
  • Join us for a conversation on the intersections between Jewish texts and perspectives and mental wellness.
• 5:30 PM EST – Religion and Observance – How Are You Jewish? (led by Shoshana Scheinberg)
  • How does being religious exhibit itself in modern society? Being a religious Jew exists in more than one way though the media and social standards may portray otherwise. Let’s dive into the ways that we practice Judaism both inwardly and outwardly.
• 6:00 PM EST – If You’re Happy and You Know it… (led by Jacki Honig)
  • Happiness and joy are Jewish values right from the beginning, starting the Book of Psalms, appearing in every book of the Torah, and opening one of our most said prayers: Ashrei. Reminisce on joys of our past year, explore different ideas of joy and how to find it, and dream about the joys yet to come as our world keeps shifting.
• 6:30 PM EST – Judaism and Identity (led by Rafi Forbush)
  • Does one come before the other? Identity is an integral part of who we are. The intersections between our identities, particularly how our Judaism influences our perceptions of ourselves and how others perceive us set the context for the critical conversation we want to have on race in the Jewish community.
• 7:00 PM EST – Torah Says What?!?! (led by Jason Kay)
  • Everyone knows – there were six of days of creation, and then God rested. Everyone also knows that God made Adam and Eve and then something happened with a snake. Well how can that all be? Which story is it? And which tree couldn’t they eat from? Let’s explore what the text actually says and see how we can come to terms with our version of creation.
• 7:30 PM EST – We Were All at Sinai (led by Heather Miller)
  • We are reminded of this moment whenever we pray but do our daily actions live up to those words? Let’s look at the pursuit of Justice.
• 8:00 PM EST – Revelation Shavuot (led by Karin Amir)
  • Come learn about the revelation of the Torah and Judaism. We will also share stories of our own Torah revelations!
• 8:30 PM EST – Shavuot Bedtime Story (led by Sophie Scheer)
  • Join us as we welcome Shavuot and conclude our evening of learning together by reading some of our favorite Shavuot Bedtime Stories!

Kadima Schedule: 

• 4:00 PM EST – Torah Drama (led by Anna Wolfe)
  • Noah’s ark, the burning bush, Miriam’s tambourine, and Joseph’s coat! The Torah is filled with these famous objects – how cool would it be to get to hear from them and learn their stories? Together we’ll use BiblioDrama, theater, and creativity to bring these objects to life – asking them questions and finding a deeper connection to their stories! Bring your creativity, some paper, and writing/drawing materials.
• 4:30 PM EST – Orpah & Oprah & Harry & Meghan & Ruth & Naomi: Oh my! (led by Anne Hope)
  • Come explore how the modern story of the royal couple of Harry & Meghan compares and contrasts with that of Ruth and Naomi. An exploration of love and loyalty, changing beliefs, and broader perspectives.
• 5:00 PM EST – Torahgami (led by Ezra Schaffer)
  • Let’s talk about our favorite stories in the Torah and make our own origami Torah scrolls! Bring some paper and writing/drawing utensils!
• 5:30 PM EST – Duct Tape Challah Covers! (led by Stacey Glazer)
  • Come learn how to make a challah cover using duct tape as our artistic medium! You’ll need:
    • Colored pencils or markers and paper
    • Duct tape in various colors
    • Giant white (or solid colored) cloth – kercheif, pillowcase, etc.
    • Iron and ironing board
    • Tea towel (non terry cloth)
    • Optional: (scissors and wax paper)
• 6:00 PM EST – Land of Milk and Yummy (led by Jonah Tecktiel)
  • Let’s take a look at some of the foods we eat on Shavuot, and why we eat them!
• 6:30 PM EST – Shavuot Bedtime Story (led by Sophie Scheer)
  • Join us as we welcome Shavuot and conclude our evening of learning together by reading some of our favorite Shavuot Bedtime Stories!

 USY Registration (Grades 8-12)  Kadima Registration (Grades 5-7)