Big Tent Judaism

Sleeplessness on Shavuot

Have you ever participated in a Tikkun Leil Shavuot—literally, a Shavuot night watch? Much like high school or college students who pull “all-nighters” studying for exams, on Shavuot, which begins tonight, we can all join in a similar experience as we stay up all night studying the Torah and other topics related to Judaism. Siân Gibby, a blogger and copy editor, who never pulled all-nighters as a student, writes in Tablet Magazine about how her abhorrence to staying up all night is precisely what makes Shavuot so special for her.

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Recognizing the Different Paths to Jewish Engagement

The diverse methods of celebrating Jewish holidays are a great reminder that there is no “right” way to find meaning in Jewish rituals. Some might find meaning in Shabbat by staying in and reading a good book, while others might find meaning in joining others at synagogue. There are numerous pathways to engagement, and Gary Rosenblatt, editor and publisher of the [New York] Jewish Week, explains that the upcoming holiday of Shavuot is no different. But as each finds their own way to celebrate, no one should look negatively upon how someone else approaches the holiday. “Shavuot,” he writes, “is the festival that speaks most directly to this concept of unity and embracing the other.”

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9th. We would like to take the opportunity to show our appreciation for the growing number of women of other religious backgrounds that are raising Jewish children. Our Mothers Circle course was developed to show our support for women who have made this decision, and to date over 1,000 women have benefited from the program.

Below is a card we designed especially for you. We want to thank you for the many “ingredients” that contribute to your efforts and let you know that it is a privilege to be connected to such an amazing group of moms!

On behalf of all of JOI: We appreciate all that you do! We hope that you and your families have a nice time this weekend and that everyone reading this blog takes time to offer respect and gratitude to all of the moms in their life. We invite you to forward this card to anyone you know who might enjoy it!

Happy Mothers Day!

For more information about the Mothers Circle program, visit www.TheMothersCircle.org, email pkessler@joi.org, or call Pippi Kessler, National Coordinator of the Mothers Circle, at 212-760-1440.