Shavuot is a holiday that tells many stories, stories of migration, of our connection to the land, of conversion, of strong personal bonds, of Torah. Our rich Shavuot traditions were explored during our last retreat in Australia, “Shavuot Unveiled: Cultivating Connections” which took place outside of Sydney. Twenty five participants joined from different cities in Australia and New Zealand to spend a weekend of reflection, learning and celebration.  

Moishe House residents, MHWOW hosts, alumni and community members were able to spend an unforgettable weekend together.  

During this retreat, we explored the connection to land and experiences of migration, the power of human rights through a Jewish lens and Jewish contemporary identity. Our program had a wide range of sessions, led by our Jewish educator, Rabbi Mike Nasielski from Sydney, Moishe House staff and participants. We discussed the beautiful complexity of unending diversity of opinions in the Jewish community and how to draw strength from it. We explored what a queer lens on the Torah looks like and the value this might have for many people in our community. A highlight of the retreat were the sessions where people got to be in conversation about Israel, offering an open space to share and listen in a safe space. We explored Israeli history through music in a session led by one of Moishe House Sydney’s residents and a community member from Moishe House Auckland taught us about the beautiful tradition of Shavuot kettubot , a marriage contract between God and the Jewish people which is read before the Torah reading on Shavuot, and its connection to Jewish papercutting.  

In our conversations, participants highlighted the importance of a space like this, where they can be in conversation with Jewish people from different backgrounds and experiences in the Jewish community. Our differences were celebrated and honored, and the group made sure to find times to connect beyond the sessions during our meals, evening conversations and a fun karaoke night.