The Jesus College community came together last week to celebrate Shavuot, the Jewish spring festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. The festival is marked by the eating of dairy and Torah study.

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On Thursday 29^th May, students and staff gathered in Hall for the College’s first Shavuot Formal. The dinner began with an introduction from Principal Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, in which he recognised the historic nature of the celebration for Jesus College. This was followed by an address from special guest, Rabbi Sybil Sheridan. Sybil explained the significance of Shavuot, and led a blessing of kosher wine and challah bread, provided specially for the event.

Guests then enjoyed a vegetarian meal of Roasted Jackfruit with Cous Cous Salad, Asparagus, Mushroom and Pepper Jalousie, and Blood Orange Cheesecake with Raspberry Sorbet and fresh berries. Before dessert, Sybil explained why it is traditional to serve cheesecake during the festival, and following the dinner led the group in some Torah study of the Ten Sayings (known as the Ten Commandments to Christians). She then led the final blessings.

Student Audrey Royall said: “I had a fantastic time marking Shavuot at Jesus College’s Shavuot formal. It was wonderful to gather with friends in the hall, hear the Rabbi’s address, and celebrate together. The educational aspect of the dinner—helping to teach the College community about Shavuot—was very meaningful. I am incredibly grateful to the staff at Jesus for all the work that made this event possible.”

On Friday 30^th May, the College continued the dairy theme with free ice creams in Third Quad, courtesy of the YumYum! Ice Creams truck, and on Sunday 1^st June, a special Shavuot Evensong was held in Chapel, with a talk by Professor Sue Doran.