June 8, 2011 [5771]From the Hebrew word for “weeks,” Shavuot is a reference to the seven weeks it took for the Jews to travel from Egypt to the foot of Mount Sinai and the declaration of the 50th day as a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:21). It is customary on Shavuot to read the section of the Torah that defines the Ten Commandments (which Moses received at Mount Sinai), the Book of Ruth (one of the five scrolls [m’gillot] that are read at certain holidays; the Book of Ruth also is a testament to loyalty, devotion and the act of conversion to Judaism) and passages from Psalms (which are credited to David, King of Israel and the great-grandson of Ruth; it is said that David was born on Shavuot and died on Shavuot).
Several culinary traditions
also are associated with Shavuot:
having two challot (one for each tablet of the Ten Commandments) and the eating of dairy treats, specifically cheesecake and blintzes (references to the sweetness of Torah and
a “land of milk and honey”). In addition, many Reform congregations celebrate with a ceremony of confirmation on Shavuot — a tradition started in Germany in 1810 and introduced in North America in 1847 by Temple Emanu-El.
Worship services will be available for listening live on the Emanu-El Web site, through the Emanu-El audio player after completion of the live service, or as podcasts. (MP3 files are available for one week after the service.)
NOTE: Our Eve of Shavuot worship service will honor students participating in our High School Confirmation Program.
Read prayers and reflections from students who have participated in
our confirmation journey.
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