Along with Succott, Shavuot is my favorite holiday of the year. Judaism 101 provides a fairly decent level of information for those unaware about the importance of Shavuot with modern day Judaism.
Shavuot like other holidays such as Purim is considered to be a minor holiday but there are major principles and lessons people can learn from the Torah and apply them all throughout the year.
It’s hard to eat a cheesecake and not remember fully the importance of good or hesed as exemplified by the remarkable Jewish leader Ruth in the book of Ruth which is read during this holiday. We can all apply to some small extent, the principles of goodness which Ruth is known for, in some way by being neighborly, practicing gratefulness and helping others in need.
Celebrating Shavuot is the last holiday before the new life cycle of holidays begins with Rosh hashana and the new year. For israeli school children, Shavuot is the last major holiday before the end of the school year. This holiday is always a particular favorite of mine not particularly because of where it falls on the school year calender, but because of the harvest. On the kibbutz where we lived for many years, the agricultural workers demonstrated their own feast of bountiful fruits and vegetables and caregivers brought their newborns on the stages. It’s a time of rejoicing, coming together and new beginnings. I guess that is why I enjoy this holiday so much.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday?