What is Shavuot?
Shavuot in Hebrew means Weeks. It took seven weeks of trekking through the desert to reach Mount Sinai. It is called the “Feast of Weeks”. It is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the Hebrew month of Sivan, that is, between May 15 and June 14.
About Shavuot
- According to Bible, Shavuot marks the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel.
- Also, it commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
- It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals of Judaism.
- It is celebrated traditionally in Land of Israel.
Significance
At the Temple of Jerusalem, the Jewish farmers used to present their “Bikkurim” to the god. Bikkurim is the first ripe fruit offered in thanks to God.
Temple of Jerusalem
It was a series of structures where the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the rock stand. The Israeli policemen recently stormed into the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Mount Sinai
It is the mountain where “Ten Commandments” were given to Moses by God. Moses is the most important prophet of Judaism. He is also an important prophet in Islam and Christianity.
Three Pilgrimage festivals of Israel
Shavuot, Pesach and Sukkot are the three major pilgrimage festivals in Israel. In the ancient times, the Israelites used to make pilgrimage to the Temple of Jerusalem during these three festivals. After the destruction of the second temple, the pilgrimages are no longer obligatory upon Jews. However, today the Jews living in and around Israel offer prayers at the western wall.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021