On Tuesday night June 7th, at sundown, we celebrate the Festival of Shavout. Shavuot which in Hebrew means “weeks” refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot began as an ancient agricultural festival, marking the end of the spring harvest and the beginning of the summer harvest. Shavuot was distinguished in ancient times by bringing crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Shavuot, also known as the Festival of the Giving of the Torah, dates from biblical times, and helps to explain the holiday’s name, “Weeks.” The Torah tells us it took forty-nine days for our ancestors to travel from Egypt to the foot of Mount Sinai (the same number of days as the Counting of the Omer) where they were to receive the Torah. Thus, Leviticus 23:21 commands: “And you shall proclaim that day (the fiftieth day) to be holy” The name Shavuot symbolizes the completion of that seven-week journey.
Customs on Shavuot are the reading of the Book of Ruth, which reminds us that we too can find a continual source of blessing in our tradition. Another tradition includes staying up all night to study Torah and Mishnah, a custom called ,”Tikkun leil Shavuot” which symbolizes our commitment to the Torah, and that we are always ready and awake to receive the Torah. Traditionally, dairy as well as meat dishes are served on this holiday to symbolize the sweetness of the Torah, as well as the “land of milk and honey”.
Shavuot is a time when Jewish families come together to eat, learn, and reaffirm their dedication to the Torah. In this tradition, Park East Kosher will be closed on Tuesday June 7th before sundown and reopen Friday June 10th, so put your orders in early. Chag Sameach!
Michael, Murray, and Staff.
