As the Jewish people commemorate Shavuot, a holiday that marks the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, it is a time of celebration and reflection. This holiday is not only a time to rejoice in the gift of Torah but also a time to take action to share and give to others.
The Jewish people have been counting the days since Passover, and now they finally reach the 50th day, which is Shavuot. During this holiday, Jewish people are not only commanded to stay up late studying the Torah but also required to eat dairy products. This is an excellent opportunity to ask for ice cream from one’s grownups!
Traditionally Shavuot is celebrated with family. Lihi Maine recalls traditions that were passed down from her great-grandmother, which they still practice today, such as Moses coming down from the mountain as part of table decor. Hilla Maine enjoys the bourekas her grandmother makes during the holiday, and the family studies the Torah together after dinner.
Some families have their unique traditions, like that of the Psakhis family. Nicole Psakhis takes part in the Girls on a Mission project of Aish Detroit. This month, they baked for a pre-Shavuot bake sale to support the Jewish Bikur Cholim organization that assists the sick. Shavuot is about sustaining one another, and the Psalmist acknowledged this in Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!”
This holiday is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals celebrated by the Jewish people. It is referred to by five names, out of which four are related to harvesting and food, and only one refers to receiving the Torah. The name Shavuot means “weeks” in Hebrew, and it emphasizes counting the weeks from Passover to the holiday.
Editorial: Sharing Is Caring
During this holiday, we must focus on sustaining one another. Aish Detroit’s Ayala Kohn suggests some activities such as reading the story of Ruth, picking out some items from the store, donating them to the local food pantry or committing to something new. Ruth is an exemplary figure of commitment, and her story would encourage anyone looking to fortify their resolve to give to others. Besides, as Kohn notes, the family can come up with unique ideas as a fun family challenge to stay committed together.
Shavuot is an excellent time for the Jewish community to donate time and resources to support nonprofit organizations. This also presents a remarkable opportunity for parents to educate their children on selflessness, empathy, and giving back to the community. It is the perfect opportunity for the young ones to bake and sell goods for charity organizations.
Advice: Embracing Values
Shavuot holiday is a great time to embrace values such as love, respect, and acceptance. It provides the perfect platform to educate people about giving and sharing their abundance with others. We must remember that the holiday is not solely about enjoying dairy products, but more importantly, about reflecting on how to treat others with kindness while studying the Torah.
Therefore, as we celebrate Shavuot, let us remember Ruth’s determination in her commitment, and let us emulate her spirit of maintaining the behavior of giving, sharing, and caring. After all, it is through selflessness and giving that we can sustain and support one another as a community.
Shavuot Sameach to everyone celebrating, and may we continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge as we reflect on the meaning and purpose of Torah.
<< photo by Brett Jordan >>
