What is Shavuot?

Shavuot or the Festival of Weeks has agricultural and historical meaning, similar to Passover and Sukkot. In the Bible, it represents presenting the Torah at Mount Sinai. This Jewish festival is also known as the 'Festival of the Giving of Our Torah.' This is the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple. The time between Passover and Shavuot is very important. The number of days counted between the two is 49. The Festival of Weeks falls on the 50th day, this is why it is sometimes referred to as the Pentecost.

Passover is significant historically because it physically freed the Jews from bondage. Passover represents the Exodus from Egypt after their 400 years of slavery. Shavuot is significant because it freed the Jews spiritually from their bondage to immorality and idolatry. The Torah to non-Jewish people is known as the Bible. The Torah is the Jewish law in which they are to live by. The Torah is also called, Chumash, Pentateuch and The Five Books of Moses.

Shavuot is the giving of the Torah by God to the Jews. Jews believe the Torah is received everyday, but there is only one day that it was given. This is what makes the festival so special. On the day the Torah was given, God promised eternal devotion to the Jews and they in return pledged their loyalty and devotion to Him. The Jewish people consider this day a wedding between God and the Jews.

To honor Shavuot, candles are lit on the first and second days of the holiday. On the first night, it is common to stay up all night to read the Torah. In the morning, prayer should take place as early as possible. Jewish people go to the Synagogue on the first day to hear the 10 Commandments. Commonly, the Book of Ruth is read to commemorate the passing of King David. A special meal containing Dairy is eaten on this day and no work is to be performed. This meal also commemorates the law given that meat cannot be cooked without being made Kosher first.

What Is Shavuot?
Remembering the First Pentecost
The History and Traditions Behind The Pentecost or Shavuot
The Jewish Festival Of Shavuot
The Flowers of Shavout
Shavuot and Vegetarianism