Shavu'ot

SHAVU’OT—The Festival of Weeks.

Shavu’ot is known as the festival of first fruits, when the harvest’s first fruits were taken to the Temple, and also Pentecost because it always occurs 50 days after Passover. In addition, this holiday commemorates the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. By counting the 50 days between Passover and Shavu’ot (a practice known as the Counting of the Omer), the Jewish people are reminded of the strong link between their physical deliverance from Egypt and their spiritual separation from idolatry and immorality based on the Law.

Jewish people observe Shavu’ot by abstaining from work, studying the Torah, praying, and taking part in at least one dairy meal.  The origin of this last custom is uncertain. Some believe it reminds the Israelites of their Land “flowing with milk and honey.” Others teach that it evolves from the dietary laws (separating meat and dairy) found in the Torah.

It was during the celebration of this feast in first-century Jerusalem that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, and the Church (the Body of Messiah) was born (Acts 2).

For healthy Shavu’ot dairy meals:
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/521928/jewish/EnLITEned-Shavuot-Recipes.htm

To learn more about Shavu’ot:
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/609663/jewish/What-Is-Shavuot.htm