Chag Shavuot Sameach

  

CHAG SHAVUOT SAMEACH

“In the third month of the children of Israel's departure from Egypt, on this day they arrived in the desert of Sinai. They journeyed from Rephidim, and they arrived in the desert of Sinai, and they encamped in the desert, and Israel encamped there opposite the mountain. Moshe ascended to G-d, and HaShem called to him from the mountain, saying, "So shall you say to the house of Yaakov and tell the sons of Israel, 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and I brought you to Me. And now, if you obey Me and keep My covenant, you shall be to Me a treasure out of all peoples, for Mine is the entire earth. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of princes and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:1-6) This third month is the month of Sivan, and just six days after receiving this astonishing promise, Israel received the Torah, binding her forever to HaShem.

Fifty days following the first night of Passover, and one day following the 49 days of the counting of the Omer is the festival of Shavuot, which occurs on the very same day of the receiving of Torah at Sinai: the 6th of Sivan. The Torah, however, describes Shavuot as the festival of the offering of the Shtei HaLechem - two leavened loaves made from the first wheat harvest of the year, and the festival of the Bikkurim - when grateful Israelites bring the firstfruits of their orchards and vineyards to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, stand with a kohen at the great stone altar and recite a history of the children of Israel. What is the connection between these offerings and the receiving of Torah? At Sinai G-d gave to Israel the greatest gift imaginable. On Shavuot in the Temple in Jerusalem, Israel returns the gesture, bringing to HaShem, not the greatest, but perhaps the most humble of gifts possible: two simple loaves and the first fruits grown in the land of Israel, the land G-d promised our forefathers. Just as a child brings a simple gift made with his own hands to his father who is trembling with pride, so does Israel bring her first fruits to a beaming G-d.

“Then, you shall rejoice with all the good that HaShem, your G-d, has granted you and your household you, the Levite, and the stranger who is among you.” (Deut. 26:11) The firstfruits, nourished from the soil of the land promised Israel, are the material manifestation of the soul of the children of Israel, nourished by 613 Torah commandments, the mitzvot, which bind Israel to our loving Father. 

Gratitude and responsibility, giving and receiving - these are the themes of Shavuot. G-d blessed Israel with Torah at Sinai and Israel strives to fulfill the sacred  word of G-d. G-d blessed Israel with the land of Israel and Israel tends to the land to bring forth its blessings.

The Temple Institute extends our gratitude and blessings to all our friends and fellow travelers, to all who believe in the G-d of Israel and the promise of the Holy Temple, and all who rejoice in the receiving of Torah. Chag Shavuot Sameach

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The Festival Of Shavuot In The Holy Temple!

 

Shavuot, (beginning Sunday evening) is the one day pilgrimage festival which celebrates the first wheat harvest of the year, the first fruit offerings brought to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from all across the land of Israel, and the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which took place on this very same day. The common theme? Profound gratitude to HaShem Who has blessed His children with all these marvels, sustaining us and keeping us close to Him. Learn more about how Shavuot was celebrated in the Holy Temple!

Go here https://templeinstitute.org/shavuot/