Shavuot

Shavuot means "weeks" in Hebrew. This festival comes 7 weeks after Passover. Sometimes it is also called Pentecost which comes from the Greek word for fifty - after 7 weeks (49 days) comes the fiftieth day. It is an early harvest festival celebrating the harvesting of the first-ripe crops, the beginning of the harvest season. Appropriately, summer flowers are used in homes and synagogues to provide bright and joyful decorations.

When the ancient Hebrews, or Israelites, escaped from Egypt, they were led to Mount Sinai where Moses received the Law and commandments from God. There at mount Sinai the people agreed, or covenanted, with God that they would keep all His commandments (mitzvot) and that He would be their God. Thus, following liberation there came responsibility and order.

At Shavuot the Jewish community celebrates the giving of the Torah, their guide from God for life.

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