Shavuot 2009 Recap

What a beautiful Shavuot we had here in MV. It all started on Thursday night at the home of Rabbi and Bassie Marcus. The close to 100 attendees were treated to a wonderful and delicious buffet dinner with delightful dairy dessert’s in honor of the holiday. A special candle lighting ceremony ushered in this special holiday celebrating our receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. This was followed by a lecture by Rabbi Marcus which explained the reasons and meaning of the holiday and how lucky we are to have this great gift called the Torah.

Kiddush and Hamotzie followed with more eating schmoozing and late night learning. All in all it was an evening that touched the mind, body and soul.

The next morning a record crowd came out to hear the 10 Commandments – the highlight of the entire holiday – as they were read from the Torah.

At 5:30pm over 120 people of all ages joined together for a special ice cream party and reading of the 10 Commandments for those who could not make it in the morning.

The Rabbi shared a story about the greatness of the Torah. The Torah was taken out and the reading began. Just before the 10 commandments were read rabbi marcus called up 10 people who were going to get their Hebrew names for the first time. In some cases it was the first time in 3 generations that anyone in the family had a Jewish name. We even had some parents get their names together with their children. It was very meaningful and added much excitement to the actual reading of the 10 Commandments.

The children were then divided by age group and went to participate in some very fun and educational food activities connected with the holiday and Mount Sinai.

Kiddush was then recited and a beautiful buffet of salads and an ice cream/ yogurt bar was a real hit among young and old.

For many this was the first time they had celebrated this holiday and it is now something they will all be looking forward to in the years to come.

A big thank you to the following amazing volunteers who put this all together:

Sheri Abergel

Libby Fleming

Lauren and Kyle Heitner

Patty Rosenblatt

Lora Rosenfeld

Jeff and Alex Rosenthal

Jill, Ilana and Daniel Roth

Teri and Josh Rubin

And the many others who stepped forward to help.