Some people are dubbing this Shabbat as “Shabbat 250.” I’m calling it “Shabbat 3338.”
It’s the Shabbat before Shavuot and three-thousand-three-hundred-and-thirty-eight years ago we observed the Day of Rest for the first time at the foot of Sinai.
At that moment, we stood united as one nation under one G-d. Despite their political differences, ignoring their tribal affiliations, every Jew - man, woman and child - stood together. It was the beginning of the Jewish story.
Since then, we’ve been through a lot. From the good times to the challenging. From life in Israel to expulsion and exile. We’ve splintered into so many communities with different flavors and customs. But Shabbat has been a constant. It is a thread that weaves across time and ties us together.
40 years ago, before Shavuot in 1986, the Rebbe innovated a new practice: Unity Shabbat. He encouraged communities to gather on the Shabbat preceding Shavuot to connect, unite and recreate the sense of Jewish unity that was present at Sinai.
Now, more than ever, we need this anchor to lean on. When being a Jew is more challenging than it has been in recent memory. When society is so divided and polarized. Shabbat is an island in time that can serve as a refuge. It can bring us together and reaffirm our shared values.
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To honor this tradition, Leah and I are inviting the community to our home from 2-4pm for a Shabbat afternoon Kiddush with Cholent and Beer. (Please respond to this email to let us know that you’ll be coming - we look forward to seeing you!).
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As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, President Trump called on Jews to observe this Shabbat in celebration of 250 years of American independence.
Whatever your thoughts about the President, it is an opportune moment to lean into the great gift of Shabbat and unite as one Jewish people. To put aside our differences and celebrate our heritage, together.
And at a time when so many Americans are paying tribute to Jewish Heritage, we can be on the front lines, celebrating it loudly and proudly.
Learning about the Baal Shem Tov and how every Jew has a neshama that can spread light to others. Just like one candle can light endless more candles. 🕯️
We brought the lesson to life by making stained glass neshama cookies 🍪✨
On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. According to tradition, the Jewish people overslept that morning — so now we stay up all night learning Torah to make up for it!
Join us for an evening of Torah learning, coffee, and delicious dairy desserts.
Desserts & Discussion: Late Night Torah Study
Thursday, May 21 | 10:30 PM–12:00 AM
DIRAH, 480 Smith St. #2
Celebrate Shavuot with a live reading of the Ten Commandments, a delicious dairy dinner, and an ice cream party loaded with toppings!
Gluten-free and lactose-free options available.
5:00 PM — Dairy Dinner
5:45 PM — Torah Reading & Ice Cream Party
A small taste of the kumzitz ✨
"As for our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, who are in trouble or captivity, whether at sea or on the dry land:
May the All-present have mercy upon them, and deliver them from trouble to relief, from darkness to light, and from exile to redemption, now speedily and at a near time."
Celebrating Lag Be’Omer with Jewish Sparks!
This week at we brought Lag BaOmer to life in Carroll Park, with a drum circle that had everyone feeling the beat and united together 💛🔥🥁
🎉 Dirah's Evening of Celebration
Join us for a rooftop cocktail reception to celebrate and benefit the Dirah community.
We are looking forward to a beautiful evening of celebration, connection and community, as we come together to support Dirah’s growth and impact.
🪕 Live Klezmer Music
🍸 Small Plates Buffet & Cocktail Bar
🎟️ RSVP at /celebration 🎟️
High schoolers, save the date!
We're just 2 weeks away from our Shabbat dinner with Cteen! Looking forward to a beautiful night with our Cteen community 🙌⚡️
