Image courtesy of Dry BonesNeedless to say, Shavuot is not a favorite holiday of those who are Lactose Intolerant. But it is a fun holiday for the rest of us. It is a chance to pull out those Vegetarian Cookbooks, and go to town with the creativity.
From Judaism 101
Shavu'ot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah).
The period from Passover to Shavu'ot is a time of great anticipation. We count each of the days from the second day of Passover to the day before Shavu'ot, 49 days or 7 full weeks, hence the name of the festival. See The Counting of the Omer. The counting reminds us of the important connection between Passover and Shavu'ot: Passover freed us physically from bondage, but the giving of the Torah on Shavu'ot redeemed us spiritually from our bondage to idolatry and immorality. Shavu'ot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th day; however, Shavu'ot has no particular similarity to the Christian holiday of Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after their Spring holiday.
It is noteworthy that the holiday is called the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah. The sages point out that we are constantly in the process of receiving the Torah, that we receive it every day, but it was first given at this time. Thus it is the giving, not the receiving, that makes this holiday significant.
It is customary to eat a dairy meal at least once during Shavu'ot. There are varying opinions as to why this is done. Some say it is a reminder of the promise regarding the land of Israel, a land flowing with "milk and honey." According to another view, it is because our ancestors had just received the Torah (and the dietary laws therein), and did not have both meat and dairy dishes available.
The book of Ruth is read at this time. Again, there are varying reasons given for this custom, and none seems to be definitive.
A traditional dish usually served is Cheese Blintzes. A type of crepe only better. Cheesecake is also served to guests during this holiday. This is not a good day to be on or start a diet either. (Have you ever looked up how many calories there is in a single piece of cheesecake?)
I do hope that your Shavuot will be a rewarding one.
2 comments:
This makes me really want to be Jewish!!!
Once, my husband and I visited a Synagogue at the invitation of the Rabbi. We enjoyed it very much, but as I recall, they had a double service which lasted very long. Something to do with Esther. But afterward we had a great time eating.
The rabbi was very kind and allowed my husband to interview him for his thesis in regards to the subject of tithing.
You must have been invited to a Purim celebration. That is when the book of Esther is read.
As for tithing, no one can beat a Rabbi in raising funds, or my grandmother (she raised over $5 million in 24 hours for Israel in 1948). They are infamous for pulling on the heartstrings.
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