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Definition:
The word shavuot literally means "weeks" in Hebrew, and is the Jewish corollary
to the Christian Pentecost. According to Leviticus 23:9-14, a sheaf of the
first harvested grains is supposed to be offered to God "on the morrow of the Sabbath"
- this was eventually interpreted to mean the second day of Passover. From this point,
forty-nine days were counted as part of the sephira period such that on the fiftieth
day, a new Holy Day was celebrated. For Greek-speaking Jews, this "Festival of the
Fiftieth Day" was known as "Pentecost."
Traditionally, two loaves of bread are made from the wheat of this first harvest and they are offered to God as a sacrifice. This day is sometimes referred to as the "feast of weeks" (Deuteronomy 16:10). Because of this connection with the early harvest, Shavuot is also sometimes called "Hag Haquatzir" (Feast of the Harvest - Exodus 23:16 or "Hag Habikkurim (Day of the First Fruits - Numbers 28:26). This period of seven weeks is considered the "omer" period. During this time, farmers are supposed to save the first fruits which ripen for a feast held on Shavuot.
Although Shavuot may have started out simply as an ancient harvest festival, it later took on religious significance during the times of Pharisaic Judaism. Observant Jews believe that Shavuot marks the anniversary of when Moses received the original Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai. Because of this, Shavuot is sometimes referred to as "Zman Matan Toratanu" (the time of the giving of our Torah). Along with saving the early spring harvest for a harvest festival, Jews also prepare themselves for symbolically receiving the Torah when Shavuot arrives.
During Shavuot celebrations, Jews commonly light candles, decorate both homes and synagogues with various forms of greenery (a reference to the early harvest), and specifically eat dairy products (because when the dietary laws were given to them at Mt. Sinai, they did not have the proper tools for preparing meat according to the kosher rules, so they were largely limited to dairy foods). Because the origin of the Torah is also celebrate at this time, some observant Jews stay up all night studying the Torah and many religious schools hold their graduation ceremonies.
The book of Ruth is usually read at this time for a couple of possible reasons. Some believe that this reading is a reference to the tradition that King David was born on Shabuot, and thus reciting the genealogy of David links the day to the expected redemption of the Jewish people through the efforts of a messiah descended through the line of David. Others, however, regard this reading as appropriate because the book describes Ruth's personal commitment to Judaism, an act of faith which is analogous to Israel's commitment to and faith in God when receiving the Torah. As a result of this, the confirmation of young Jews is performed in some synagogues (particularly those in the tradition of Reform Judaism) on this day.
In the kabbalistic tradition, the Shavuot celebration was elevated from a combination harvest celebration and commemoration of the reception of the Torah to a celebration of the mystical union of God and Shekinah (an emanation of God, usually identified as the Holy Spirit).
Also Known As: Hag Haquatzir" (Feast of the Harvest), Hag Habikkurim (Day of the First Fruits), Pentecost (Festival of the Fiftieth Day)
Alternate Spellings: Shabuot
Common Misspellings: none
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