It is customary to study throughout the night on Shavuot in hopes of recreating the experience of revelation at Sinai, and it’s been lovely and exciting to see how this practice has been revitalized in the past several decades.

Because many people have come to enjoy virtual study, or shift back and forth between studying on their own and “shul-hopping” between different study sessions online and/or in person, I wanted to offer some materials that could be used in a number of ways. Perhaps you are a leader of a study evening this year, perhaps you are gathered in person or on Zoom with your chavurah, or just sitting together with a friend or two and looking for a variety of resources with which to spend some meaningful time tonight while you munch blintzes or allow yourself free rein enjoying a hot fudge sundae. Or, you want to give yourself time for journaling in response to soulful writing prompts. Whatever brings you to Shavuot study this year, I hope you’ll enjoy these diverse texts.

Below, you’ll find three very different possibilities: First, a collection of my own poems and prompts which hopefully speak to this night’s focus on our encounter with the Source and with those who lead us through the wilderness. Next, Rabbi Daniel Raphael Silverstein’s gorgeous slam poem “Revelation,” which sparked my desire to create this program. And finally, a text study on the midrash of Miriam’s Well by Lisa Batya Feld, fueled by her ongoing exploration of biblical myths and legends. I invite you to explore some or all of them, alone or with a partner or friends.

May the heavens open for you this Shavuot, and for us all.

Merle, Lisa and Daniel