A Partnership between CBH and Ma’alot
At Congregation Bet Haverim | Sunday, June 1 - 2, 2025

We warmly invite you to a spiritually enriching Shavuot celebration, hosted in partnership with Ma’alot. This special evening weaves together Torah study, music, community, and reflection—creating a sacred space to connect with one another and our shared tradition.

We are honored to welcome musical guest Rena Branson for two special sessions, guiding us through song and nigunim (wordless melodies) to deepen our spiritual experience.

Evening Schedule

5:00–7:00 PM
Family Program with Rabbi Ariel and Cantor Jenn

• Dairy pizza dinner
• Annual Ice Cream Mountain – a joyful tradition symbolizing the giving of the Ten Commandments
• Interactive learning, group activities, and singing to bring our community together in joy and reflection
• All ages welcome!

7:00–7:50 PM
Song Circle for Healing with Rena Branson

A soulful gathering centered on individual and collective healing through music and silence. Come sing, dance, listen, shluff (nap), meditate, or otherwise glean nourishment in this circle! Rena Branson will share her songs, weaving together Jewish liturgy with original prayers for healing and transformation. Inspired by the words “p’tach libi b’toratecha” (open my heart to Your teaching), Rena’s music asks: What are we being invited to learn, grow, and heal in this moment? All are invited to sing along, and our ancestors have been singing off-key with ruach (spirit) for thousands of years, so please don’t hold back!

8:00–11:00 PM
Concurrent Learning Sessions

• Choose from 2–3 diverse learning offerings each hour, led by members of CBH and Ma’alot
• Topics range from deep Torah study and spiritual practices to creative expression
• Sessions designed to nourish body, mind, and soul

11:00 PM–12:00 AM
Sound Mikveh: The Sound of Revelation
With Rabbi Ariel, Rebekka Goldsmith, Gayanne Geurin, and Cliff Trammell

In place of water, we immerse in improvised sound, through singing, drumming, chanting, toning, and silence. Together, we embrace mystery and transformation as we reflect on the revelation at Sinai. Rebekka, Cliff, R’ Ariel, and Gayanne are synergizing their gifts to co-create a Jewishly informed, improvised sacred sound bath, a spontaneous and complete unfolding of sound, prayer and spirit in the moment. You are invited to show up, lay down, and receive as we attune to the Wider Mystery through a kaleidoscope of sonic offerings.Please bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on (chairs will also be available). We’ll conclude with time for individual reflections.

12:00 AM–6:00 AM
Fireside Gathering & Sleepout
With Rebekka Goldsmith

Bring your sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows and gather around the fire for a night of wonder, reflection, and shared storytelling.  As the fire burns into morning, we’ll explore the themes of revelation and connection through song, conversation, and quiet contemplation.

6:00 AM - 6:45AM
Sunrise Yoga and Morning Blessings
With Rebekka Goldsmith

This is an all night event, so bring camp chairs, pillows, blankets - whatever will make you comfortable! 

Rena Branson (she/they) is a Jewish composer, ritual leader, and educator who uplifts personal and collective healing through song. She served for three years as the cantorial soloist at Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir in Philadelphia, and now brings heart-opening musical offerings to diverse Jewish communities across the US. Rena’s second original album, In Doing & In Dreaming, is in the seed funding stage. Learn more and support Rena’s music at renabranson.com!