This is the archive of the 2025 version of the program.
When and Where
When: The first night of Shavuot! Sunday June 1, 2025, from 9:30pm or 10:45pm until 4:45am
Where: This year we are hosted by Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, located at 300 S 18th Street in Center City Philadelphia.
Registration
This event has passed.
Event Details
Please note that the program will begin after dinner this year. Desserts and snacks will be provided overnight.
Schedule Overview
| Time | |
|---|---|
| 9:30pm | Event start for early birds |
| 9:45–10:45pm | Early-bird session |
| 10:45pm | Event start |
| 11:00–4:45am | Learning sessions and desserts throughout the night! |
| 5:00am | Several local synagogues are hosting sunrise services |
Classes
Please note that this list is still subject to change as teachers confirm their availability and class titles.
9:45pm
- Rebbe Nachman & Leonard Cohen Nancy Leaderman
- How to Behave in Shul - What Our Tradition Teaches Rabbi David Seed
- Jews in Baseball and Some Other Sports Matt Whitehorn
- Blood Libel: From My Grandfather's Memoir Paul E. Ruskin, M.D.
- The Ten _________________ Rabbi Kenneth Stern
11:00pm
- Torah, Tarot, and Trickery: Judaism and Divination Rabbi Steven Gotlib
- Theologies of Exile Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari
- A Barrel Over Their Heads: Levinas on Matan Torah Dr Michael Gillis
- Women's Hebrew Poetry and וַתִּפֹּל, עַל-פָּנֶיהָ Anabella Esperanza
- Let's taste some of the delicious aspects of the Sephardi traditions Rabbi Albert Gabbai
- Will You Be My Chevruta? Conflict & Companionship Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter
12:30am
- Motions and Movements at Religious Services Davida Charney
- Leaving Shul for Yizkor Chesky Kopel
- Slay Sacred Cows, Smash Tablets: Leading in Crisis Rabba Rori Picker Neiss
- The Drama behind the Two Versions of the Torah Rabbi David Greenstein
- Inside the City Eruv: Halacha in the Trenches Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch
- The Baal Shem Tov’s Amud HaTefilah Rabbi Mónica Gomery and Rabbi Abi Weber
1:30am
- Highway 61 Revisited Revisited David Margules
- Gematria, Atbash, Bible Codes, Et Cetera Jerry Silverman
- "Holy Chavruta, Batman!" Eitan Runyan
- The Soul Within the Scroll Yoella Epstein
- A New Jewish Ethic Joseph "Joey" Eisman
- God Would Never... Unless?? Jesse Breitbart
2:50am
- Our Challenging Teachings: What Troubles You? Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein
- The Halacha of Living in the Diaspora, from Breishit to Vayikra Shayna Hodkin
- “O Shavuos Tree, O Shavuos Tree” Russel Neiss
- Big Themes in American Jewish History Barry Kirzner
- The 12 Tribes, the Shemoneh Esreh, and You Timothy W. Cravens
3:50am
- No place like it: Utopias and Center City Jews Miriam Steinberg-Egeth
- The Immortal Prophet: The Character of Eliyahu Noah Fields
- Look at Moses’ Life Through Heaven’s Eyes Michael Steinberg
- Making of a Mass Murderer Tadhg Cleary
Code of Conduct
All attendees are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:
The expectation of this event is that all interactions are based on mutual respect. All participants are expected to engage in discussions with civility and consideration. Harassment in any form—whether verbal, physical, or implied—will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome attention, discriminatory remarks, personal attacks, or any behavior that may be deemed hostile, intimidating, or offensive. Protests, interruptions, and any actions intended to disrupt or derail the event/discussion are strictly prohibited. Disorderly, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate removal from the event. Participants must not engage in actions or speech that make others feel unsafe or uncomfortable. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone can engage without fear of exclusion or harm.
This community comprises many different perspectives and identities, and we should not expect to completely agree with each other all the time. Disagreement is natural, but it must be expressed constructively and respectfully. Listen carefully and speak kindly; we all have much to learn from one another.
Those who are not able to abide by these guidelines will be asked to leave.
Contact
Questions? Email info@phillyshavuot.org.
