Shavuot Services and Confirmation, followed by a special oneg

We celebrate our young adults for affirming their Judaism at the Confirmation Service this month! It will be celebrated on the evening of Shavuot, the holiday of the giving of the Torah, Saturday May 19, at 7:30 PM. The class will lead the service, using their own words and music.

The theme they have chosen for their creative service this year is “I Won’t Give Up.” The class has persistently questioned and explored issues of Jewish text, history, and identity throughout the year. We are so proud of them all — come celebrate them with us!

Congratulations to the students who have dedicated themselves to their faith. We wish you happiness, peace, and prosperity as you continue your journey! 

Shavuot is a Hebrew word meaning "weeks" and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot, like so many other Jewish holidays began as an ancient agricultural festival, marking the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat 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 precisely 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 a holy convocation!" The name Shavuot, "Weeks," then symbolizes the completion of a seven-week journey.

Special 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 dishes are served on this holiday to symbolize the sweetness of the Torah, as well as the "land of milk and honey".*

Contact Debbie Haber for more information (412) 421-9715 ext 116.

Source: ReformJudaism.org (https://live-reformjudaismorg.pantheonsite.io/calendar/shavuot-1)