Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot in Brookline 2016: Full Schedule

"Shavuot is the time when the community gathers around the mountain, and makes pilgrimage to a holy place, for the ultimate transformative experience."
—Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi ז׳ל

8th Annual Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot in Brookline

All Night, June 11-12, 2016
Starting at 9:00pm with special pre-session at 8:15p.
384 Harvard Street and 100 Centre St. in Brookline, MA

Let us know you’re coming! RSVP and/or sign up to volunteer here!

THIS IS A DRAFT SCHEDULE: SUBJECT TO CHANGE (check back for updates)

8:15pm PDT

Shaking at Sinai: Then and Now

Receiving the Torah was terrifying. The mountain shook and the horn blared. Recently freed from slavery, the Israelites chose one God, and that God’s mitzvot. We'll try to understand that choice, the value of coercion, the importance of choice, and the ancient and contemporary pressures of assimilation. Time permitting, make wire sculpture exploring these themes (optional).

Speakers

Leeza Negelev

Leeza is Associate Director of Education at Mayyim Hayyim

Saturday June 11, 2016 8:15pm - 9:05pm PDT
100 Centre St. 100 Centre St.

Pshat/Drash Remez

9:15pm PDT

Chariot of Fire: In the "Hot Seat" with the Prophet Elijah

Who is the real prophet Elijah: zealot and iconoclast or "he who reconciles the hearts of parents and children", honored guest or harbinger of the utopian age? Explore Elijah's evolving persona through biblical and rabbinic texts. Libations will be served.

Speakers

Cantor Michael McCloskey

Michael is Cantor-Educator at Temple Emeth and adjunct faculty in the School of Jewish Music at Hebrew College.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
100 Centre St. 100 Centre St.

Pshat/Drash

9:15pm PDT

The Torah of Climate Justice

We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last to be able to do anything about it. What does the Torah say about climate disruption? What images and sacred stories can give us inspiration and insight at this time of crisis? Come study core Jewish texts on climate change and learn about the local interfaith climate justice movement.

Speakers

Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman

Shoshana is Assistant Rabbi at Temple Sinai and active in the interfaith climate justice movement.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Classroom 1 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

9:15pm PDT

What is more Jewish -- resurrection of the body or the immortality of the soul?

A text study of the third blessing of the Amidah in the context of the redemptive theme of the Amidah.

Speakers

Rabbi Reuven Kimelman

Reuven is Professor of Classical Judaica at Brandeis University and Rabbi at Beth Avraham Synagogue in Brookline.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Chapel 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

9:15pm PDT

Blintzes

Learn to make cheese and fruit blintzes, a Shavuot tradition! (Including a gluten-free buckwheat variety)

Speakers

Alex Khitrik

Alex opened Inna’s Kitchen in Newton with his mother, Inna, to preserve and modernize their Jewish culinary traditions. Last year Alex opened their second location in the Boston Public Market, a year-round locally sourced market located downtown.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Kitchen 384 Harvard

Remez

9:15pm PDT

Cantillation: The Book of Ruth

Learn to chant from the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read on Shavuot, in this musical "text study". Participants should have a basic, background knowledge of trope.

Speakers

Cantor Becky Khitrik

Becky is Education Coordinator at Temple Beth Zion, Brookline.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Classroom 2 384 Harvard St.

Remez

9:15pm PDT

On Serving as a Jewish Staff Chaplain in an Interfaith Setting: Challenges and Opportunities

Speakers

Rabbi Ben Lanckton

Ben, a Conservative rabbi, has served for 13 years as a staff chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital. He lives in Brookline with his wife and two teenaged children and belongs to TBZ.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Classroom 3 384 Harvard St.

Remez

9:15pm PDT

The Jewish-Buddhist Encounter

Explore two ancient wisdom paths in American Jewish life.

Speakers

Reb Moshe Waldoks

Moshe is Rabbi at Temple Beth Zion.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Landers Hall 384 Harvard St.

Remez

9:15pm PDT

What is Jewish Literature and What Can We Expect to Read in 2016-17?

What makes a book Jewish and how do we read as Jews? Take a look at these questions and have a look at what books can we expect to read in the coming months.

Speakers

Amos Lassen

Amos is a member of Temple Sinai and Congregation Am Tikva. He is the book reviewer for The Jewish Advocate and reviews books and movies on his website.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Classroom 4 384 Harvard St/

Remez

9:15pm PDT

Preparing our Bodies for Revelation with Yoga

As we study all night to prepare our minds and spirits to receive the Torah, we can easily forget how essential our body is in this process. Through singing, deep breathing, and simple yoga postures we will explore the fusion of yoga practice and Jewish mysticism to expand the ways in which we connect to the experience of Revelation. No previous experience, or yoga pants, required. Hosted by Reshet Ramah Alumni Network.

Speakers

Talia Salzberg Horowitz

Talia is a clinical social worker and certified yoga teacher, who is inspired by the therapeutic and healing power of yoga and meditation practice.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Sod

9:15pm PDT

Shoreshim: Our Jewish Shamanic Roots in Deep Kabbalah

Modern Jewish traditions have roots in deep shamanic practices from the Merkavah (Chariot) Kabbalah to Rebbi Nachman to present day Reb Gershon Winkler’s teachings. This fascinating look at shamanic roots and practice will culminate with a guided Tree-of-Life meditation journey and discussion.

Speakers

Linda Yael Schiller

Linda holds an MSW and LICSW and is a psychotherapist, author, and dreamworker with over 30 years experience who presents internationally on multiple aspects of dreamwork.

Saturday June 11, 2016 9:15pm - 10:05pm PDT
Library 384 Harvard St.

Sod

10:10pm PDT

Seudah (light meal)

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:10pm - 10:45pm PDT
Epstein Auditorium 384 Harvard St.

Food Break

10:10pm PDT

Revelation Meditation

As we move from the freedom of Pesach to the revelation of Shavuot, how we can attune ourselves to hear revelation and receive Torah? Begin this night of Tikkun in communal silent meditation to connect intimately with YHVH by paying close loving attention to the moment-to-moment Unfolding of Being. (Food will be available at the end of the session).

Speakers

Sheila Katz & Bobbi Isberg

Bobbi Isberg and Sheila Katz are founding teachers of Nishmat Hayyim Jewish Meditation Collective. Bobbi practices psychiatry with adults and children and teaches psychotherapy at Children's Hospital. Sheila is Professor of Middle East History and Contemplative Studies at Berklee... Read More →

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:10pm - 10:45pm PDT
Landers Hall 384 Harvard St.

Sod

10:50pm PDT

Bathsheba and David: The mysterious relationship

Everyone knows the illicit love relationship between David and Bathsheba, but few know how that relationship grew over time. The focus is on Bathsheba. Who was she?

Speakers

Dr. Joseph Reimer

Joe is Professor of Jewish Education at Brandeis University and a member of the Vaad of Washington Square Minyan.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Classroom 3 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

10:50pm PDT

Engendering Judaism: Three Foundational Texts

Engage in chevrutah study of 3 texts that offer different approaches to including women’s voices in Jewish communal life and practice. Consider the opportunities and challenges for Jewish feminism today.

Speakers

Judith Rosenbaum

Judith, the executive director of the Jewish Women’s Archive, is a historian, writer, and educator.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Classroom 1 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

10:50pm PDT

Heschel and Living Responsively

An exploration of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s use of source material to encourage vacating the egocentric from the ways we work, play, and pray.

Speakers

Rabbi William Hamilton

Bill is rabbi at Congregation Kehillath Israel

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

10:50pm PDT

Legacy, Progeny and A Perilous Future

Must we be fruitful and multiply in an age of climate change? Explore the different ways that the Talmud understands this imperative, and discuss how this may or may not apply when the Jewish community is facing serious danger, be it political or ecological.

Speakers

Benjamin Barer

Benjamin is a rabbinical student at Hebrew College, passionate about connecting ancient texts to the contemporary issues of greatest concern. He blogs at whatibelievein.wordpress.org... Read More →

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Classroom 4 384 Harvard St/

Pshat/Drash

10:50pm PDT

Poetry of Torah/ Torah of Poetry: A Guided Beit Midrash

Explore the beauty and power of poetry as a tool for meaning making and spiritual transformation.

Speakers

Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Suzie is Rabbi and Education Director at Temple Israel, Boston. She loves text study, poetry and teaching with her wife.

JoJo Jacobson

Jojo has taught composition and literature for several years and is the In School Program Manager for 826 Boston, a nonprofit education program and youth publishing house.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
100 Centre St. 100 Centre St.

Pshat/Drash

10:50pm PDT

Six Queer Heroes and Scoundrels

Same-sex love, hidden and formally decried, finds surprising expression in Jewish poetry, prose and law. Full of pathos, gender bending, humor and intrigue, it reveals a sliver of life that has been all but erased from memory. Meet 6 queer characters of Jewish history, some famous others infamous whose stories help to make sense of the issue for our own moment.

Speakers

Rabbi Steven Greenberg

Steve has worked with communities around the world to make Orthodox Judaism more inclusive of gays and lesbians. He is the author of Wrestling with God & Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition, which won the Koret Book Award and is one of the founding Co-Directors of Eshel... Read More →

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Landers Hall 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash Remez

10:50pm PDT

Cheesecake!

Prepare for revelation in the kitchen as we make cheesecake for a later snack break and learn a bit about our dairy cheesecake origins.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Kitchen 384 Harvard

Remez

10:50pm PDT

From Atheist Sartre to Kabbalist Kook

Secular psychology, focusing both on the intrapsychic and the interpersonal has greatly broadened our understanding of the individual and aided in the treatment of emotion and behavior. But are a human’s deepest concerns satisfied when difficulties are reduced or absent in this sphere? Explore the spiritual approach to the self found in explicitly religious thinkers, such as Rav Kook, and born witness to unwittingly by atheistic thinkers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre.

Speakers

Dr. Davin Wolok

Davin has a Ph.D. in philosophy, has taught at the Hebrew College and is the author of You Can Come Home Again: Musings and Amusings of a Philosopher-Clergyman. He is Chazzan Sheni at Temple Emeth.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Classroom 5 384 Harvard St.

Remez

10:50pm PDT

Tefillah v'Shira - Prayer and Poetry: Yehuda Amichai in conversation with traditional prayers

Yehuda Amichai (1924 – 2000) is one of Israel ’s most admired poets. Many of his works respond to themes in familiar Jewish prayers. Explore some of Amichai’s prayer-inspired poems alongside the originals, using both Hebrew and English texts.

Speakers

Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond

Miriam is an author, occasional poet and educator who enjoys teaching people of all ages (5 to 95).

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Library 384 Harvard St.

Remez

10:50pm PDT

U’Sfartem Lachem: Torah Trigonometry

Looking at sources from Tanach, Mishnah, and Talmud, we'll explore applications of geometry and trigonometry in text study.

Speakers

Morry Safer

Morry is a KI member, engineer at Intel, and Torah/mathematics geek.

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Classroom 2 384 Harvard St.

Remez

10:50pm PDT

The Aleph Speaks: Commentary on the First Letter of the Ten Commandments

Examine select rabbinic, Hasidic and modern teachings on this seemingly simple letter, the Aleph, whose non-silence reveals the essence of speech, contains the inner-point of all being, and discloses the nature of our relationship with God.

Speakers

Rabbi Andy Vogel

Andy is one of the rabbis at Temple Sinai, Brookline

Saturday June 11, 2016 10:50pm - 11:40pm PDT
Chapel 384 Harvard St.

Sod

11:50pm PDT

Can the Tichel Be Reclaimed? Kisui Rosh in an Egalitarian Context

In this interactive session, learn some basic techniques for tying scarves and practice and experiment. Close with a discussion of whether (or not) the tichel can be reclaimed in an egalitarian context.

Speakers

Susan Kane

Susan is a nice Jewish girl who has always been attracted to the wrong mitzvot.

Saturday June 11, 2016 11:50pm - Sunday June 12, 2016 12:40am PDT
Epstein Auditorium 384 Harvard St.

Remez

11:50pm PDT

Is Socialism Jewish?

While values that are often attributed to Socialism seem congruent with Jewish values the truth is more complex.

Speakers

Chuck Morse

Chuck is the author of "The War against Judaism" and other non-fiction books and the host of a weekday radio talk show, "Chuck Morse Speaks," which broadcasts Mon - Fri 10am - Noon on the USA Radio Networks.

Saturday June 11, 2016 11:50pm - Sunday June 12, 2016 12:40am PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Remez

11:50pm PDT

Sermon Slam

A Sermon Slam is like a poetry slam, but for divrei torah, poetry, personal narratives and any other short, religiously-inspired performances. 7 slammers will perform for 5 minutes or less each on the topic "At the Foot of the Mountain". Featuring:
- Ariel Schwartz
- Laura Elkayam
- Rabbi Dan Judson
- Steven Philp
- Simona Lang
- Matan Koch
- Jess Belding

Hosted by Ezra Balser and Coordinated by Elizabeth Bonney.

Speakers

Ezra Balser

Ezra is a 5th year rabbinical student at Hebrew College and will begin serving as Rabbi for Temple Beth Shalom in Hull, MA soon. He plays 1st base for the KI Fighting 2's, reigning champions. Ezra is a lifelong Ramahnik, returning to Palmer this summer for his 19th summer at camp... Read More →

Elizabeth Bonney

Liz is a Rabbinical student at Hebrew College and a member of Washington Square Minyan. She's very excited to coordinate this year's Slam.

Saturday June 11, 2016 11:50pm - Sunday June 12, 2016 12:40am PDT
Landers Hall 384 Harvard St.

Remez

12:45am PDT

Dessert

Sunday June 12, 2016 12:45am - 1:10am PDT
Epstein Auditorium 384 Harvard St.

Food Break

1:15am PDT

First Fruits

Honor the agricultural roots of Shavuot with study of Jewish agricultural law that dictates the welfare of those less fortunate. In light of these ancient laws, consider our current food aid system.

Speakers

Leora Mallach

Leora is the Director of Ganei Beantown, building community thought hands-on food and agriculture programs rooted in Jewish text, tradition and culture.

Sunday June 12, 2016 1:15am - 2:05am PDT
Classroom 1 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

1:15am PDT

From the Book of Ruth to the Modern Refugee Crisis- How do we welcome the stranger.

Explore the connection between the Book of Ruth and the contemporary global refugee crisis as well as the Torah’s wisdom on different ways we might respond to the crisis. Designed by HIAS a part of the #JewsForRefugees campaign.

Speakers

Rabbi Claudia Kreiman

Claudia is rabbi at TBZ in Brookline and part of the Tikkun Shavuot planning committee. She loves staying all night awake on Shavuot to receive Torah with her fellow Brookliners!

Sunday June 12, 2016 1:15am - 2:05am PDT
Chapel 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

1:15am PDT

What? We shouldn't exist?

Come have an (engaging, fun) existential crisis as we discuss the meaning and implications of a Talmudic passage in which the Rabbis conclude that it would have been more pleasant not to have been created. A little text, lots of discussion.

Speakers

Matthew Lowe

Matthew has previously held sessions on theology and atheism, but is trying something more psychological, following on a recent change in career.

Sunday June 12, 2016 1:15am - 2:05am PDT
Classroom 2 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

1:15am PDT

Let Us Harvest & Preserve: Pickling Nature's Bounty

"A meal without salt is no meal" - Berakhot 44a. Pickling, an ancient culinary tradition using the most basic of ingredients—salt and water—is the best way to preserve vegetables from one season to the next. Learn about salt in ancient Jewish religious practice while making a jar of your own pickled veggies to take home!

Speakers

Ilana Karkowski and Mona Strick

Ilana and Mona are rabbinical students at Hebrew College and rabbinic interns at KI this year.

Jack Zietman

Jack is an alumnus of the Adamah Jewish Farming Fellowship.

Sunday June 12, 2016 1:15am - 2:05am PDT
Kitchen 384 Harvard

Pshat/Drash Remez

1:15am PDT

Meditation in Freygish: A Nigun Workshop

Have you ever asked a songwriter how they come up with their songs? Had a moment when you found yourself singing what felt like a divinely inspired melody? Sing original Hasidic-style nigunim, harmonize together, and participate in vocal improvisation exercises to create new melodies. Seasoned nigunists, those curious about how to get started on writing music, and everyone else welcome!

Speakers

Itai Gal

Itai is a musician and Jewish educator and just recieved a Masters' in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. He is a resident organizer at Moishe Kavod Jewish Social Justice House and plays keyboard in his newly formed band, Klezmermaid.

Sunday June 12, 2016 1:15am - 2:05am PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Sod

2:15am PDT

Money Matters

Whether they perceive themselves as having too little or too much, living beyond or below their means, upwardly or downwardly mobile from their upbringings, most people are uncomfortable talking about money. Talk about why this taboo may or may not be useful in our current cultural situations and look at texts about who the rabbis thought should have access to your financial information, what they looked for when determining how much should be spent on various items including tzedakah, and the legal contexts in which these matters arise.

Speakers

Emily Fishman

Sunday June 12, 2016 2:15am - 3:05am PDT
Chapel 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

2:15am PDT

Lights and Perfections: approaching Tarot from a Jewish perspective

Learn about the Jew-ish roots of the famous Tarot oracle and how we can reclaim this set of 78 cards as a tool for Jewish contemplation and growth today. Session includes a concise history of Tarot and Jewish divination and a guided Tarot reading you can do yourself.

Speakers

Hamsa Berkowitz

Hamsa (Joshua) has studied Judaism and its intersection with the occult for 13 years. She has worked professionally as a psychic medium, healer and teacher since 2006 and is Founder and Administrator at the Boston Academy of Psychic and Occult Arts.

Sunday June 12, 2016 2:15am - 3:05am PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Sod

3:00am PDT

Snack Break

Sunday June 12, 2016 3:00am - 3:15am PDT
Landers Hall 384 Harvard St.

Food Break

3:20am PDT

The Late Late Late Shiur

Study texts from Rabbi Hayim David HaLevi, the late Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv/Yaffo. We look at his work, the Mekor Hayim/מקור חיים, to discover deeper meanings of Shavuot and studying during the night.

Speakers

Ezra Balser

Sunday June 12, 2016 3:20am - 4:10am PDT
Chapel 384 Harvard St.

Pshat/Drash

3:20am PDT

At Dawn I Will Seek You: Learning and Singing Piyutim

What better way is there to greet the dawn than with music? Sing your way to sunrise with piyut melodies from around the world.

Speakers

Cantor Sarah Bolts

Sarah is a recent (as in last week!) graduate of Hebrew College and an active member of Moishe Kavod House.

Sunday June 12, 2016 3:20am - 4:10am PDT
Novakoff 384 Harvard St.

Sod