- June 1, 2025
- 7:58 pm
- Israel
Meaning of Shavuot: the Day of Giving the Torah and the Festival of the First Harvest
Shavuot (Shavuot translates as “weeks”) is one of the three major festivals of the Jewish people, alongside Pesach and Sukkot. It is celebrated on the 50th day after the beginning of the Omer count, this year — June 1, 2025.
The festival marks important events in Jewish history: the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the first harvest, and the birth and death of King David.
NAnews congratulates everyone on this special day:
Chag Shavuot Sameach!
Origins of the Festival: Connection to Agriculture and the Torah
Historically, Shavuot was linked to the end of the barley harvest and the start of the wheat harvest. In ancient Israel, Jewish farmers brought the first fruits of their gardens to the Temple in Jerusalem — bikkurim, as stated in the Torah (Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Numbers 28:26-31). It was believed that this was the day to thank the Almighty for abundance and the blessings of the harvest.
A Pilgrimage Festival and Folk Traditions
Shavuot is also a pilgrimage festival. In the days of the Temple, Jews would come to Jerusalem to bring the first fruits of their harvest. Today in Israel, this tradition is reflected in kibbutzim and agricultural communities, where fruit festivals are held showcasing fresh produce and local agricultural achievements.
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| Bringing the first fruits | In honor of the new harvest, the first fruits (bikkurim) were brought to the Temple. |
| Night of Tikkun | On the eve of Shavuot, holy books are read — symbolizing enthusiasm in receiving the Torah. |
| Reading of the Book of Ruth | The story of Ruth joining the Jewish people highlights the festival’s significance. |
| Decorating synagogues | Buildings are adorned with greenery and flowers, symbolizing the lushness of Mount Sinai. |
Why Do We Eat Dairy Foods on Shavuot?
On Shavuot, festive tables are adorned with dairy dishes. This is connected to several beautiful traditions:
- Dairy products symbolize how, upon receiving the Torah, Jews began to follow the laws of kashrut.
- The numerical value of the word “chalav” (milk) is 40 — the number of days Moses spent on Sinai.
- On this day, the Egyptian princess found baby Moses, who refused to drink non-Jewish milk.
- The phrase in the Torah “A new offering to God on your festival of weeks” forms the acronym “mechalav” (from milk).
- One of Mount Sinai’s names is “Har Gavnunim,” which sounds like “gvina” (cheese).
These traditions make Shavuot an even more special holiday for every Jew.
Religious Aspects of the Festival
In Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:10, it is stated that Shavuot is a time of thanksgiving to God. On the night before the festival, after a festive meal and prayers, Jews stay awake studying Torah — this custom is called “Tikkun Leil Shavuot”. Morning prayers are accompanied by hymns and the reading of the Book of Ruth.
“Shavuot is not only a remembrance of ancient events. It is a reminder of the importance of observing traditions, respecting the Torah, and strengthening the bond between the people of Israel and Ukraine,” — notes the editorial team at NAnews.
How Shavuot is Celebrated in Israel Today
Today, Shavuot in Israel is a national holiday. Public transportation does not operate, shops are closed, and NAnews – Israel News reminds us: this is a day for family, Torah study, and strengthening Jewish traditions. Many synagogues and yeshivas hold special classes on the role of the Torah in Jewish life.
A special place on these days is held by the Western Wall (the Kotel) in Jerusalem — thousands of Jews gather there on Shavuot night to pray and welcome the dawn with gratitude in their hearts.
Chag Shavuot Sameach!
The editorial team of NAnews extends warm wishes to all readers on this bright holiday. May the words of the Torah fill your homes and hearts, and may the first harvest be just the beginning of new successes and blessings. The relationship between Israel and Ukraine, between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, is especially important today — and we celebrate this day together as one people.
Happy holidays, dear friends! Chag Shavuot Sameach!
