Tonight we begin the Festival of Shavuot.
Like the other pilgrimage festivals, Sukkot and Passover, Shavuot has Agricultural roots. The Torah tells us that beginning on Passover we are to count “seven weeks (Shavuot)” from the beginning of the grain crop until the end of that harvest. This counting is the source for the current practice of counting the omer between Passover and Shavuot. In Israel the spring harvest begins during the Passover season and in the biblical period people would bring an offering of thanksgiving, as well as their new crop, to Jerusalem during this time of year to be eaten as a sign of thanksgiving for God’s goodness. By the rabbinic period, with the Temple no longer standing, Shavuot came to be more heavily associated with the giving and receiving of the Torah- an event that is traditionally believed to have occurred during this time of year as well. It was from that point on that the giving and receiving of Torah became the primary focus of Shavuot.
Below are a few resources and thoughts to share with you as we begin Shavuot!
Background: History, Customs, and Traditions of Shavuot
Social Justice: Shavuot and the Treatment of Refugees, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
For Kids: Shavuot resources for our children
Our Shavuot Service/Religious School Graduation begins tonight at 6:00PM. The Tikkun study program will begin at 8:30PM and is entitled: “In Pursuit Of A Spiritual Life.” Please join us and bring a friend!
Hag Sameach!