JLIC Mizrachi at Technion experienced a memorable Shavuot celebration this year, under the warm and spirited guidance of Rav Evan and Tova Levine. The couple, known for their dedication and creativity, organized an array of events that brought the campus community together in joyous observance of the holiday.
Cheesecake Bake Evening: A Delicious Prelude
On the evening of June 10th, the Levines kicked off the festivities with a Cheesecake Bake Evening, an event that turned out to be both fun and fruitful. Students gathered to bake and decorate an impressive array of cheesecakes, transforming the kitchen into a bustling hub of activity. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the enticing aroma of baking, as participants crafted a total of thirteen unique and delicious cheesecakes. Each creation was prepared with care, anticipating the Shavuot Cheesecake Competition scheduled for the following evening, June 11th.
The Cheesecake Competition
The Cheesecake Competition was a highlight of the Shavuot celebrations. Thirteen meticulously baked and beautifully decorated cheesecakes vied for top honors, showcasing the culinary skills and creative flair of the participants. The competition fostered a sense of friendly rivalry and camaraderie among the students, enhancing the communal spirit of the holiday.
Seuda and Tikkun Leil Shavuot
In the evening, Rav Evan and Tova Levine hosted a Shavuot seuda, inviting fifty students to join them for a festive meal. The seuda was a time for students to gather around the table, share delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company. The Levines ensured that the meal was not just a feast for the body but also for the soul, enriching the evening with meaningful conversations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
As the night progressed, the celebrations continued with the traditional Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an all-night study session. Students immersed themselves in Torah study, delving into texts and discussions that spanned various topics and perspectives. Eight students led parts of the learning, sharing their insights and fostering dynamic discussions. The Levines guided the overall learning, offering their own perspectives and creating an environment where questions and exploration were encouraged. Over thirty students stayed late into the night, filling the hours with the buzz of intellectual engagement, spiritual reflection, and a profound sense of community.
A Memorable Shavuot
One student expressed their gratitude, saying, “Tova!! I’m blown away by how you pulled off such a huge, incredible meal!! You’re amazing!! Thank you so so much for organizing an incredible Shavuot!! It’s definitely the best one I’ve had.”
Another student shared their appreciation, stating, “Thank you so much Rav Evan for an amazing Shavuot!! It’s the best Shavuot I’ve had to date!!”
The Shavuot celebrations at JLIC Mizrachi Technion, orchestrated by Rav Evan and Tova Levine, left a lasting impression on all who participated. From the delightful Cheesecake Bake Evening to the competitive spirit of the Cheesecake Competition, the communal seuda, and culminating with an enlightening Tikkun Leil, the events highlighted the Levines’ ability to blend tradition with creativity. They succeeded in creating an inclusive, vibrant, and spiritually enriching Shavuot experience that will be fondly remembered by the Technion students.
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