Learning to Celebrate Shavuot w/ Monique Balbuena
Mon, Apr 06
|1175 E 29th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
Learn about the custom of chanting azharot (liturgical poems that review the 613 positive & negative commandments) on Shavuot, and hear some beautiful examples of azharot. Register & learn more (free).
Time & Location
Apr 06, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
1175 E 29th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
More details
Register for this free class: https://templebethisraeleugene.shulcloud.com/form/shavuot2026
There is an old custom on Shavuot of singing the positive and negative commandments that make up the 613 mitzvot. Such a custom, which started in the Geonic period (6th-11th centuries C.E.), was kept by many Shephardic and Eastern communities. Several liturgical poems were written that reviewed the commandments- they are traditionally called "azharot," Hebrew for "exhortations" or "warnings." Ribbi Shelomo Ibn Gabirol (1022-~1055) composed one of the most famous azharot, and the most commonly heard today. This year at TBI we have the chance to chant together some azharot on Shavuot. Join us to learn more about this custom and to hear some beautiful examples of azharot. You might be inspired to chant with us this year!
Monique Balbuena teaches Comparative Literature at the University of Oregon. She is a lay leader at TBI and actively seeks to reclaim the Spanish and Portuguese tradition of her ancestors.