Shavuot Date: April 19, 2010
Shavuot is observed among the Jewish people and in Israel.
The festival of weeks, Shavuot, is a Jewish festival with historical and agricultural significance.
Shavuot History
Historically it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and agriculturally commemorates when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the temple. The Jewish people wait in anticipation counting the days from the second day after Passover to the day before Shavuot, seven full weeks in total, hence the name Festival of Weeks. Counting the weeks reminds the Jews of the important connection between Passover and Shavuot. Passover freed them from bondage and the giving of the Torah on Shavuot gave them redemption spiritually from the bondage to idolatry and immortality. The Shavuot falls on the Pentecost, however it has no significance to the Christian festival although it falls at the same time seven weeks after passover or 50 days.
Shavuot Traditions and Activities
The Jewish people are not allowed to work on the Shavuot, however cooking, baking, and carrying are accepted during this festival unlike the Shabbat. Food is an issue during Shavuot as there are a few conflicting ideas. Many Jews don’t eat meat at all and only eat dairy products and vegetables. This is because before the Torah was given the Jewish ancestors did not know what the dietary laws would be and were concerned meat would not be allowed so they just ate dairy and vegetable products. Others say that the laws in the Torah did not allow meat, and others believe it comes from the story of Abraham and where the Land of Israel is described in the Torah as a land flowing of milk and honey. Many Jewish people choose to eat cheesecake during this festival.
On the first night of the Shavuot festival many ultra orthodox Jews stay up all night studying the Torah and then pray early in the morning. Synagogues are decorated with flowers and many read The Book of Ruth in the services. The Shavuot Festival lasts 2 days beginning on the 28th of May and ending at nightfall on the 30th.
Shavuot is also known as:
- Festival of Weeks
- Study of the Torah
- Shabbat
- Seven Weeks
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