Religious group agrees to non-Orthodox study session for Shavuot

Modern Orthodox rabbinical organization Tzohar has agreed to add an extra session to its Shavuot overnight programming that will serve as a platform for Conservative and Reform rabbis, the group said Tuesday.

The decision comes amid criticism of Tzohar for leaving non-Orthodox rabbis out of their lecture schedule for the holiday and the subsequent decision of some participants not to attend.

Tzohar’s partner organization for the event, the Tzavta cultural center, said it made the decision to hold the extra session given the importance of being seen “as giving space and voice to all streams of Judaism.”

Among those slated to participate in the extra program are Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Rabbah Tamar Sabag, MK Aliza Lavie, former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas, journalist Ben Dror Yemini and Gavri Bargil.

All-night study during the Shavuot holiday, which marks the anniversary of the giving of the Torah in Jewish tradition, is a widely-held custom among many streams of Judaism, and synagogues, community centers and private homes often host overnight learn-a-thons.

Shavuot this year will be celebrated on Saturday night and Sunday.

“I believe that as we have turned Shavuot learning into a tradition that will pull hundreds more secular, traditional and religious Jews together, we will know how to incorporate voices from among all the voices streams of both Judaism and Israeliness,” Tzavta Executive Director Hayman Gold was quoted as saying by Israeli Orthodox news forum Kipa.

While it has been reported that Tzohar was opposed to the participation of non-Orthodox rabbis, Tzohar said in a statement to The Times of Israel that it was committed to reaching as many Jews as possible.

“We remain steadfastly committed to ensuring the widest range of Israeli Jews are able to experience the joys of studying Torah and recognize the undeniable link between the delivery of the Torah at Sinai and our lives thousands of years later,” Tzohar Vice President Yakov Gaon said in a statement.

“When a young couple walks in to our office to ensure they receive a halachic marriage carried out with compassion and respect, at no point do we ever, or would we ever, ask whether they define themselves as Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or other.

“While differing perspectives within Jewish society are a natural part of our modern existence, our objective is to reduce friction and division rather than facilitate it. Indeed, this is a commitment which should be lauded by Jews of all backgrounds rather than attacked.”

Gaon emphasized that Shavuot’s theme of Jewish learning was ideal for bridging differences between denominations.

“Our people face many threats of all different types; physical and spiritual. Overcoming these challenges can only be achieved if we refrain from creating unnecessary internal divisions and appreciate that we are one people with one heart and one soul.”

Taking place for the fifth time in the city’s Tzavta performance center, the annual event of nighttime lectures and Jewish studies sessions attracts a mixed crowd of religious and secular Jews, and was attended last year by over 1,500 people.