Shavuot - Have a Feast
One of the three Pilgrimage festivals that should be the MOST important and yet is so often forgotten or celebrated in a minor way by so many Jews. And it is surprising and sad that so many don't even know what it is.
Directly from the Torah - Shavuot is one of the harvest festivals when everyone is supposed to feast and include the whole community. It is the day to remember that we were given the Torah. A day to remember those who have died. A day to eat sweet dairy foods to remind us of the "milk & honey" that is the Torah. Following the counting of the OMER 49 days from Pesach, Shavuot is a time to really celebrate the spring and decorate with sweet smelling flowers and greenery, to read a bit from each book of Torah, to study and to praise the children for their studies.
Story of Shavuot
In Israel it is still a day to bring your first fruits and share them. Children dress in white and wear flowers in their hair. In some places doves are released as a symbol of the sacrifices that were done when the Temple existed.
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Regarding Deut: 16:10-11
Rashi's commentary makes for an interesting discussion regarding inviting others to join in celebration:
Verse 10: The fullness of your open-handed gift.
The fullness of the gift of your hand, wholly commensurate with the blessing. Bring shelamim-offerings of rejoicing, and invite guests for feasting.
Verse 11: The Levite, proselyte, orphan, and widow.
My four correspond with your four--- your son, daughter, servant, and maid-servant. If you bring joy to Mine, I shall bring joy to yours.
The discussion focused on the need to include both your own household and others in the community who would otherwise be left out of the celebration. So include everyone.
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The Story of Ruth. This is actually an example of including everyone and how Ruth was a Moabite and not an Israelite but she fully adopted the life of the Jews and was included. Also noting that she was the "mother of royalty" as King David was her descendent.
Story of Ruth
Read the Book of Ruth
Interesting day again at Torah Study.
Directly from the Torah - Shavuot is one of the harvest festivals when everyone is supposed to feast and include the whole community. It is the day to remember that we were given the Torah. A day to remember those who have died. A day to eat sweet dairy foods to remind us of the "milk & honey" that is the Torah. Following the counting of the OMER 49 days from Pesach, Shavuot is a time to really celebrate the spring and decorate with sweet smelling flowers and greenery, to read a bit from each book of Torah, to study and to praise the children for their studies.
Story of Shavuot
In Israel it is still a day to bring your first fruits and share them. Children dress in white and wear flowers in their hair. In some places doves are released as a symbol of the sacrifices that were done when the Temple existed.
-----------
Regarding Deut: 16:10-11
Rashi's commentary makes for an interesting discussion regarding inviting others to join in celebration:
Verse 10: The fullness of your open-handed gift.
The fullness of the gift of your hand, wholly commensurate with the blessing. Bring shelamim-offerings of rejoicing, and invite guests for feasting.
Verse 11: The Levite, proselyte, orphan, and widow.
My four correspond with your four--- your son, daughter, servant, and maid-servant. If you bring joy to Mine, I shall bring joy to yours.
The discussion focused on the need to include both your own household and others in the community who would otherwise be left out of the celebration. So include everyone.
-----------
The Story of Ruth. This is actually an example of including everyone and how Ruth was a Moabite and not an Israelite but she fully adopted the life of the Jews and was included. Also noting that she was the "mother of royalty" as King David was her descendent.
Story of Ruth
Read the Book of Ruth
Interesting day again at Torah Study.
posted by Chavarah @ 10:18 AM
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