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Erev Shavuot Update: Material for Learning program, Schedule, etc.

05/27/2020 01:21:32 PM

May27

Happy Erev-Erev Shavuot!

As I will be busy most of tomorrow with Air National Guard COVID-19 Support, I am sending out my information for Shavuot today… just to be safe:

  1. SHAVUOT LEARNING PROGRAM: As I announced two weeks ago, I am excited to present a new initiative for Shavuot this year, developed by my friend Rabbi Binyamin Lehrfield of the Baron Hirsch Congregation in Memphis, TN. He calls it the “The Shavuot (Home) Learning Project,” and I encourage you to join us as we study Sefer Shoftim – The Book of Judges in our homes over the Chag. Click here for the study materials, which Rabbi Lehrfield prepared in conjunction with his synagogue’s YU Fellows program to aid you in your studies. These materials are designed to meet you at your own level and interest. Whether you read through chapter summaries, discover famous Jewish leaders, study deeper insights, or learn through the chapters themselves, you will find that there is something for everyone!

As some of you might know, Sefer Shoftim describes the new and relatively tumultuous era following the death of Joshua where the Jewish people are left without a King, a ruler of Joshua’s caliber or pedigree, and even, for some extended periods, without any leader at all. Within this era, fifteen “Shoftim” – Judges fill this role with some selected as leaders by common consensus and others by Divine appointment. With different themes, characters and stories, the Book of Judges (just 22 chapters long) is the perfect text to study and analyze on your own or with your family no matter your background or age.

For those who need a copy of the text of Shoftim, click here to download a Hebrew/English copy of the text.

While this Shavuot undoubtedly will be different than what we are used to, through the Shavuot Learning Project we still have the ability to feel connected to each other over the holiday by studying the same content and text. I hope that you join us over Shavuot and look forward to hearing your insights and observations from your studies.

  1. TEFILLAH GUIDE: Click here to download the Shavuot Edition of Shabbat without Shul, my guide for those praying at home this weekend.
  2. SCHEDULE: Click here to download the schedule for the Holiday. DO NOT FORGET TO MAKE AN ERUV TAVSHILIN ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON!
  3. DAILY MINYAN: We are continuing to stream our daily Minyan via Zoom. If you can’t join us in person, join us virtually by logging in at: https://zoom.us/j/94819261580. If you want to call in, dial 302-715-8592 US or 253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 948 1926 1580. YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE VIDEO IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE SEEN!

Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Joseph Friedman

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784