Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, an evening of learning and Torah study, is the defining ritual of the holiday. Like the Passover seder and dwelling in the sukkah on Sukkot, participating in the Tikkun Leyl Shavuot is one way of embodying the spirit of the festival. At our Tikkun, B’nai Israel members will teach about their unique experiences and areas of expertise. The Tikkun will conclude at approximately 10:00 PM.

8:00 PM – Opening Session: What is Shavuot all about anyway?

8:15 PM – Choosing Judaism: A Panel with Individuals Who Joined the Jewish People
Moderated by Eric Luftman, Chair of the Adult Education Committee, this panel discussion explores the various ways in which people came to become a part of the Jewish people. What brought them to Judaism? How has it changed their lives? Listen to the stories of John Minster, Melissa Kutner, and Kristin Schulman.

John Minster is a convert to Orthodox Judaism. He lives in Rockville with his wife Netta, B'nai Israel's congregational shlicha, and his daughter Eliana. He hails from Traverse City, MI and works for the Tikvah Fund.

Melissa Kutner was born and raised in Katy, Texas. She studied Classics and archaeology at Stanford University and is an assistant professor of Ancient Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She lives with her husband, Paul, one-year-old son, Michael, and dog, Finnegan. 

Kristin Schulman is a supervising attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.  She converted to Judaism in 2013 under the study of Rabbi Michael Feshbach at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase, MD.  She lives with her husband Michael in Rockville, along with their rescue dog Ruth Beagle Ginsburg. 

9:00 PM – Ma’ariv & Cheesecake Dessert Reception

9:15 PM – It’s Never Too Late! with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz
Rabbi Akiva began his Jewish journey at the age of 40. Get a glimpse into the life and learning of one of our tradition’s most renowned sages

Our evening of study is presented in memory of Rabbi Henry and Yetta Segal.

Please register below, including the names of everyone attending in the Notes section.