Come enjoy a wonderful Shavuot Festival here at Shir Hadash!  Let's celebrate the giving of "first fruits" (grains, fruits, and vegetables), and celebrate the start of summer! Together we'll be enjoying delicious dairy desserts, a service outside on our patio, and honoring the joy of learning at our Festival of Learning! 

Scholar Dr. David Graizbord is joining us this year! A historian of early modern and modern Jewish identities, Dr. Graizbord's research focuses on the Western Sephardi Diaspora. He will guide us in:

4:30pm Afternoon Workshop: "L'dor'v'DON'T: What NOT to say when talking about Jewish Identity to the Next Generation": Let's explore with Dr. Graizbord the trends in the continuing evolution of Jewish identity in the US, and foster healthy inter-generational Jewish communication!

8pm (approx) Evening Festival-of-Learning Session: "Inquisition, Kabbalah, & the Hidden Jews of Spain: Untangling the Myths of Sepharadim" We'll use figurative tweezers to separate fact from fiction, history and memory, in the story of the Jews of Spain and Portugal--their emergence, their persecution at the hands of Iberian Catholics, their eventual expulsion, and their inner world—including Kaleidoscopic Kabbalistic currents!

We've planned so many fun things to do at our Shavuot Festival, you'll find something special and meaningful for everyone of all ages:

• 4:30pm, learning session with Dr. David Graizbord in the Chapel! Details above!
• 4:30pm, Sinai Lounge Beer Garden (adult 21+ only), come and sip a refreshing beer outside on our patio - meet friends new and old and celebrate the joy that Grains bring to our lives. Non-alcoholic beverages also available.
• 4:30pm, Shavuot Children's Festival - we'll have activities for different age groups - make flower crowns, do fun crafts, enjoy face painting and storytime, and more! Kids are encouraged to dress up as a fruit, vegetable, grain, farmer, bee or butterfly in honor of Shavuot!
• 5pm, Shavuot Dinner - Cost is $25 per adult (age 13 and older) and $15 per youth (age 12 and younger). We'll enjoy a build-your-own-fancy-grilled-cheese and salad bar!
  
  Fancy Grilled Cheese Menu:
  • Truffle Mushroom & Gruyere on Sourdough: Sauteed wild mushrooms (shiitake cremini, oyster), gruyere cheese, truffle oil, caramelized shallots, sourdough bread. Optional flair: serve with drizzle of truffle oil and a thyme garnish.
  • Caprese Pesto Melt on Ciabatta: Fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, on ciabatta bread. Optional flair: Pressed for a crisp finish and served with a side of arugula salad.
  • Fig & Brie with Arugula on Walnut Bread: Sliced brie cheese, fig jam, fresh arugula, and either multigrain or walnut bread. Optional flair: light honey drizzle and cracked black pepper on top.
  • Spicy Jalepeno Peach Cheddar on Sourdough: Sharp white cheddar, grilled peach slices, thinly sliced jalapeno, on either sourdough or Texas toast. Optional flair: finish with a brush of garlic butter and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
• 6:30pm, Shavuot Service (outside!) - on our patio/grass we'll enjoy singing, praying, celebrating receiving the Torah, and commemorate Shavuot together in community. 
• Approx 7:45pm, After the service is Shavuot Dessert - get ready for dairy-licious desserts galore! Lactose-free and vegan options will also be available.
• Approx 8pm, Festival of Learning (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) - Dr. Graizbord will guide an incredible evening learning session (details above!).