Shavuot

Shavuot occurs 50 days after the first day of Passover. Jewish tradition teaches that the Exodus from Egypt was fulfilled when the Torah was received at Mount Sinai.

Giving of Torah
On Shavuot we celebrate the receiving of the Torah. Torah is the Hebrew word for the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Torah is the sacred bond between God and the Jews.
The Torah is hand written by a specially trained scribe on parchment.  A portion of the Torah is traditionally read at weekday morning services and on Shabbat and holidays.
Harvest Holiday
Shavuot is the Holiday of the First Fruits, since the year’s first fruits were brought to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
 

Food
According to Jewish custom, dairy meals are eaten on Shavuot because Torah was compared to Milk and Honey and also because prior to receiving the Torah, the Jewish laws of keeping kosher had not yet been clarified. Blintzes (thin pancakes folded around a filling – usually cheese or potatoes – and baked or fried) and cheesecake are especially popular Shavuot foods.  Some synagogues are decorated with greenery and fresh flowers to celebrate the festival.

Ruth
It is traditional to read the Biblical book of Ruth on Shavuot, since the story took place during the harvest season.

Yizkor
It is traditional to remember people who have died with special prayers.