An American’s reflection on our Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Following this year’s Tikkun Leil Shavuot, we received a warm response to our night-long study session:
“I wanted to tell you what a powerful and meaningful experience I had at Beit Daniel for the Tikkun Leil Shavuot at which I remained until 5am. I purposely stayed in Israel several more days just to be there, having remembered my presence at the same event several years before. Given the chance to participate again, I was not going to miss the opportunity. I go to a Tikkun every year on Erev Shavuot, in Los Angeles and have attended several in Jerusalem. There is nothing anywhere in the world that compares to what you offer at Beit Daniel. First, to see hundreds of Tel Avivis, who would describe themselves as secular or mildly observant, and to participate with them in learning and discussion is a very moving experience. The depth, intelligence and emotion of your teachers and the listeners’ participation, and for me to participate in it all in Hebrew is extraordinary. I have now heard Rabbi Sadan twice and her presentation and analysis touch my soul and my intellect. Each time I sit through the 3am concert, I feel like I am the luckiest American Jew on the planet having been part of this Tikkun and the celebration that follows. Pouring out onto the patio and the park across the street to discuss the content with people gives me a deep connection to Israel, Tel Aviv and the Jewish people. Both times I have attended, I purposely walk the miles (kilometers) back to the hotel in the early morning darkness, watching the sun rise as I return, savoring every moment of recalling the night’s learning and the sense of walking the city’s streets all alone.”