For the first time, four Reform congregations in St. Louis are collaborating for a unique Shavuot celebration.

“Connections, Commandments and Cheesecake” is a joint effort by Congregation Shaare Emeth, Congregation Temple Israel, Temple Emanuel and United Hebrew Congregation. The celebration is free and open to anyone in the community regardless of affiliation.

“I thought it would be nice if the suburban Reform congregations took the format of our Erev Shavuot program from last year and offered it to all of our members,” said Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Shaare Emeth, who spearheaded the idea. “I reached out to the rabbis at the other congregations and everyone liked the idea. After such a hard year we all agreed it would be nice to have a gathering dedicated to the celebration of Torah and learning where the larger community could connect with one another.”

Shavuot, the festival commemorating the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, will be observed with a series of activities designed to blend tradition with community bonding. The evening will commence with a dessert reception featuring Israeli wines, fruit, cheesecakes, and other treats, providing attendees an opportunity to socialize and connect with both old friends and new acquaintances.

Following the reception, participants can choose from three educational sessions:

• Divine Fire: The Sights, Sounds, and Feelings at Sinai with Rabbi David Reinhart This session will delve into the experience of revelation at Sinai, using traditional texts and imaginative exploration to bring the moment of receiving the Ten Commandments to life.
• Ruth and Shavuot with Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh This class will explore the themes of love and chesed (kindness) as depicted in the Book of Ruth, a text traditionally associated with Shavuot.
• Why Torah Was Given in the Wilderness with Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and Dani Glassman (RYT-500 Yoga Instructor and Wellness Professional) This unique session combines traditional Jewish texts, modern wisdom and gentle mindful movement to contemplate the significance of the Torah being given in the wilderness.

“Connections, Commandments, and Cheesecake”

When: Tuesday, June 11 from 7–9:15 p.m.
Where: Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Rd.
More info: Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online to help organizers plan accordingly.