By Rabbi Elana Perry, Vice President of Jewish Education
Shavuot is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Yet, receiving Torah is not just about a moment of revelation in our ancient past—it’s an ongoing responsibility. It’s about bringing Torah to life in every generation.
Shavuot reminds us that learning is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Each year, as we symbolically stand again at Mount Sinai, we are invited to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, meaning, and connection—for ourselves and for our entire community.
At JLearn, Jewish Federation’s Education Initiative, that commitment is at the heart of everything we do. JLearn supports and cultivates opportunities for all kinds of learners to explore Jewish texts, ideas, and traditions in ways that are both relevant and inspiring.
We nurture curiosity by investing in creative, experiential approaches that make Jewish learning joyful and memorable—from preschool through high school. Whether it’s in congregations, early childhood programs, or Jewish day schools, our learners engage through storytelling, music, hands-on exploration, social action, drama, science, and play. These moments plant seeds of identity and connection that can last a lifetime.
But none of this is possible without passionate, skilled Jewish educators. That’s why JLearn is also deeply committed to nurturing teachers through professional development, mentorship, and community support. By investing in our educators, we ensure that the next generation of learners will be guided by voices that are wise, innovative, and empowered.
This Shavuot, as we celebrate the giving of the Torah, we also celebrate the many ways we continue to receive it—through collaboration, creativity, and commitment to bringing Jewish learning to life for every age and stage.
