SAT JUNE 8
“A Night of Reproductive Choice”
Examining the current struggles for reproductive control, Temple Israel of Hollywood holds an evening with short films, text study, a panel discussion featuring three speakers and group engagement. “A Night of Reproductive Choice” celebrates the memory of the biblical Ruth, whose book is read on Shavuot, while highlighting women’s capacity for choice. Blintzes will be served. 7-9 p.m. Free. Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330.
“Shavuot Reimagined”
Sinai Temple holds an epic evening of learning, schmoozing and noshing. After the dessert bar and a Havdalah service, Jewish spirituality professor Daniel Matt leads mystical learning for the adult community. His three sessions are “Mystical Secrets of Parenting” at 9 p.m.; “God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony Between Science and Spirituality” at 10 p.m.; and “The Greatest Secrets of Kaballah” at 11 p.m. The Atid young professionals community holds a 9 p.m. program titled “Textual Relations,” with Rabbi Sam Rotenberg. The evening includes a “Torathon” for Sinai Temple’s third-12th graders. 8-11:59 p.m. Free. RSVP requested. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 474-1518. .
“Stories of Our People”
Temple Beth Am and Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills (TEBH) hold all-night learning. Theatre Dybbuk Artistic Director Aaron Henne leads the program, “Stories of Our People,” which is designed to explore transformation. Additional teachers include Temple Beth Am Rabbi Adam Kligfeld and TEBH Rabbi Jonathon Aaron. 7:15 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv and free light dinner. 9 p.m. program. Free. RSVP required. (310) 652-7353.
Shades of Light
Shavuot flies into Temple Adat Elohim (TAE) in Thousand Oaks on the wings of a multitude of singing voices. Under the direction of Noreen Green, conductor of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, the American Jewish University choir and the TAE Chorale perform during services, which are open to the community. Refreshments available at the oneg. 7 p.m. Free. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. RSVP at (805) 497-7101.
“Era of Political Correctness”
Shavuot learning at Temple Judea examines “What Does It Mean to Be a Chosen People in an Era of Political Correctness?” Nosh is served. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. RSVP. Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. (818) 758-3800.
“Revelations of Wellness”
Adat Ari El explores how to achieve physical and spiritual health. At 8 p.m., Hillary Oberstein leads yoga, kicking off an evening that includes Havdalah; “An Ancient Toolkit for Modern Well-Being: A Deep Dive into Wisdom Text” with Rabbi Jessica Yarkin; “Healthy Delicious Cooking” with Julie Giuffrida; “Torah as Archetypal Psychology: Understanding Mental Health and Well-Being” with Dr. Omid Naim; and meditation. Stick around for a cheesecake break at 10:50 p.m., followed by a closing session on “Mental Wellness Begins with You: The Torah of Self-Compassion,” with Adat Ari El Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard. 8-11:45 p.m. Free. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426.
All-Night Learning
Beth Jacob Congregation offers traditional all-night learning, featuring scholar-in-residence Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, who served at Beth Jacob nearly four decades ago. Beginning at 11 p.m. and concluding before sunrise, sessions explore “Dueling Covenants: Defining Judaism’s Balance in Every Era”; “Why Did Moshe Break the Tablets?”; “Can Robots Ever Be Jewish: An Exploration of Jewish Experiential Learning”; and “R&R: Is Leisure Kosher?” At 10:30 p.m., Rabbi Kalman Topp leads learning with ice cream for young professionals. “Teen Torah” also is held at 10:30 p.m. Ice cream and cheesecake served at 1 a.m. Shacharit at 5:10 a.m. Free. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 278-1911.
Nessah All-Night Learning
The 12th year of all-night Shavuot learning at Nessah Synagogue features Rabbi Shimon Kessin and Rabbi Mendel Kessin. The evening begins with an 11:15 p.m. reception, followed by lectures by the Kessins on “How to Ensure God Is Listening to Our Prayers” and “The Great Battle: Divine Plan and Current Events.” Desserts are available. A full breakfast is served after Shacharit. Free. Nessah Synagogue, 142 S. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 273-2400.
Shavuot in Highland Park
Temple Beth Israel describes Shavuot as “the Jewish festival of abundant lactose.” The egalitarian synagogue also offers a lactose-free version of the holiday. Guests of this kid-friendly evening are encouraged to bring cheesecake or a vegan pastry for a community tasting before mini-classes examine a variety of topics. 7-10 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Israel, 5711 Monte Vista St., Highland Park. (323) 745-2474.
Shavuot Concert
Temple Isaiah and Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC) hold “True Colors — A Shavuot Experience,” a spiritual and musical celebration of Shavuot and Pride Weekend. Clergy from Temple Isaiah and BCC co-lead the program at BCC, where there will be plenty of food, music, spoken words, teachings and storytelling. 8 p.m. Free. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd. (323) 931-7023.
“Living Your Truth”
Promising lively learning and traditional dairy desserts, Mishkon Tephilo celebrates with the program “Living Your Truth.” Participants include Rabbi Gabriel Botnick, who is joined by his wife, Rabbi Rose Prevezer; Rabbi Lori Shapiro from the Open Temple; Jeff Fleck and Rachel Kann. 8-11:30 p.m. Free. No RSVP required. Mishkon Tephilo, 206 Main St., Venice. (310) 392-3029.
