Shavuot Article Archive
Derived from the Greek word for "assembly," a Jewish house of prayer. Synagogue refers to both the room where prayer services are held and the building where it occurs. In Yiddish, "shul." Reform synagogues are often called "temple."
Hebrew for "fit" (as in, "fit for consumption"), the Jewish dietary laws.
A Summer holiday commemorating the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, it is also known as the Feast of Weeks, as it comes seven weeks after Passover begins.
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), or the scroll that contains them.
Looking for more articles about Shavuot? Here are some of our favorites from the InterfaithFamily.com archives:
- Of all the major Jewish holidays, the least familiar to the general, synagogue-avoiding Jewish public is the festival of Shavuot. In fact, its obscurity is so striking that discussions of the holiday commonly start by noting its obscurity, as I did. As a result, it's probably best known for being little-known, if you follow me. Basically, Shavuot is to Jewish holidays what Zeppo is to the Marx Brothers — Shavuot: The Zeppo Marx of Jewish Holidays.
- Shavuot Lesson: Jews Must Champion Cause of Strangers in a Strange Land. Why? Because, as in the Book of Ruth, which starts with a double migration story, today migration and immigration are still relevant and important issues for all of us.
- Shavuot is a hard to sell holiday in the United States, and it shouldn't be. "It's the wine and cheese holiday!" For interfaith families in the United States, this holiday has a lot to recommend it. Shavuot: Days of Cheese and Roses.
- Recent Israeli religious court decisions have once again pointed out the unnecessary obstacles to becoming a Jew. In contrast, there's Shavuot where a convert is celebrated. Shouldn't we be Encouraging People Who Choose Judaism
- We have forgotten that in every climate, crops are harvested at specific times of year. Glutted into apathy, we no longer look forward to the ripening of favorite foods. We need Shavuot to remind us that every harvest is a miracle, a gift from God to lavish on our table. Use Lots of Fruit at the Table to Harvest the Perfect Shavuot Meal.
- On Shavuot, we are reminded of Ruth, who chose to become a Jew. But maybe Shavuot is really a reminder that all Jews are Jews-by-choice? Shavuot: A Celebration of Choice.
- The story of Ruth is so often used to show that welcoming "strangers," converts, is ingrained in Jewish text. This test also includes the story of Orpah, however, who turned back and did not join the Jews.Orpah: A Shout-Out for Shavuot.
- Celebrating Shavuot can mean different chings to different people, including surrounding yourself with nature; eating grains, fruits and dairy meals; and discussing the meaning of freedom on this holiday when God gave the Israelites the Torah. Delicious Recipes to Enhance Your Shavuot Celebration.
- In A Conversation with Chef Jeffrey Nathan: Plus Recipes for Shavuot, the chef presents his views on modern kashrut and provides recipes for Shavuot.