Finding Meaning in the In-Between – A Reflection for Shavuot 

As Shavuot approaches—beginning at sundown on Sunday, June 1st and ending at sundown on Tuesday, June 3rd—I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning behind this powerful holiday. 

Shavuot, like many Jewish holidays, is filled with meaningful and joyful traditions (see below for “Shavuot in a Nutshell”). But one tradition stands out for its uniqueness: Tikkun Leil Shavuot—the custom of staying up all night to study sacred texts in honor of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. 

Now, let’s be honest—pulling an all-nighter to study, and for fun, sounds a little wild. Why would anyone choose to do that? 

Jewish mystics believed that staying awake through the night—immersed in study, meditation, or prayer—could open the soul to deeper understanding and bring one closer to the divine. Whether or not that resonates with your beliefs, there’s something profound in the idea that in the quiet hours between dusk and dawn, when our usual defenses are down and the world is hushed, we can become more open—open to insight, to wonder, and to each other. 

Tikkun Leil Shavuot, which likely began among 16th-century mystics in the city of Tzfat, was not only a spiritual practice but also a way to symbolically prepare for the momentous event of receiving the Torah. Jewish tradition teaches that we stay up to both spiritually ready ourselves—and to make up for our ancestors, who according to Midrash famously overslept on the day of revelation. 

What can we take from this today? 

It’s a reminder to embrace the in-between spaces—those quiet, liminal moments where learning, growth, and connection can unfold. When we stay up all night, something shifts: our usual boundaries soften, our minds quiet, and our hearts open. In that softened space, we may find ourselves more receptive—to insight, to one another, and to something greater than ourselves. 

In the spirit of Tikkun Leil Shavuot, let’s carry that openness with us. Let’s challenge ourselves to keep our boundaries just a little more permeable—open to curiosity, to conversation, to tradition, to mystery. Whether through deep dialogue, quiet reflection, or shared learning, may we each find moments to receive something meaningful in the days ahead. 

Wishing everyone moments of inspiration, openness, and connection. 

Chag Sameach! Happy Shavuot! 

Shavuot In A Nutshell: