Shavuot: A Rose by any other name…..

Chag HaBikurim (Bringing the First Produce) marks the time when the Jewish people, upon entering the land of Israel, evolved into an agrarian society. To foster national unity, G-d decreed three pilgrimages (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot) during which Jews, regardless of where they resided, were required to travel to Jerusalem and gather at the Temple. On Shavuot, the Harvest Festival, they were obligated to present the first produce of their fruit as an offering. These offerings included the seven crops indigenous to the Land of Milk and Honey: wheat, vine, fig, pomegranate, olive, and dates.

But two thousand years ago, the Temple was destroyed for the second time. The Jewish nation was decimated, with many taken as slaves and dispersed throughout the world. With no produce farmed in the Holy Land and the Temple now destroyed, offerings ceased. However, Shavuot was multifaceted. The rabbinical leadership of the time refocused the holiday and emphasized commemorating the receiving of the Torah.

Zman Matan Torateinu- (The Time of Receiving of our Torah) After liberating the Jews from Egyptian slavery, Moses led them on a journey through the desert, finally arriving at the foot of Mount Sinai. This journey took seven weeks, hence the name

Shavuot. (Seven). On Sinai, G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish People, symbolized by the Ten Commandments that Moses brought down from Sinai. The Jews swore to keep the laws of the Torah they received on that ancient night. Shavuot (Oath) is another name for this holiday, reminding us of this everlasting oath. The Ten Commandments were more than just ten ‘words’. They encapsulated the entire written Torah, which comprises 613 commandments, known as Mitzvot. The Torah became the guiding contract by which the Nation of Israel agreed to conduct their lives.

When G-d gave these laws to the Jews, they were asked if they would accept them and live their lives in accordance. The newly minted nation answered, “We shall perform them, and we shall listen to them.” Such was their devotion that they unconditionally accepted them, even before they knew what was contained within them.

To remind us of that night long ago, we go back to the synagogue on Shavuot after dinner and spend the entire night studying the Torah. Some study the Talmud, while others read passages from the Torah. Others come to the synagogue and listen to lectures delivered by scholars. Our Rabbis linked the two significant events. We celebrate our physical freedom from bondage at Passover and, 49 days later, our spiritual awakening as G-d’s Chosen people. Accepting these Laws make us unique and Jewish.

As the earliest monotheistic society, we established laws for civilized behavior that prohibit murder, sexual immorality, and the worship of man-made idols. The Torah also guides our relationships with others. "Love thy neighbor as you would have him love you"—the Golden Rule—was not known to humanity until the Jewish nation introduced it.

Chag Hakatzir - The Harvest Festival. On Shavuot, we read the story of Ruth the Moabite, who accompanies her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel and converts. It is the harvest season in Israel and a distant relative of Naomi, Boaz, take pity on the poor widow. As an act of charity, he allows her to glean in his fields during the harvest. Boaz and Ruth marry, and their great- grandson David becomes the King of Israel. On Shavuot, we read the story of Ruth to commemorate her devotion to the Jewish people and to serve as an inspiration for us.

Today, we celebrate Shavuot by commemorating all its ancient roots. We decorate the synagogue as well as our homes with flowers and other agrarian produce. Large, beautiful bouquets adorn all synagogues on this holiday.

Special holiday prayers are offered where we remember Shavuot as the Harvest Festival as well as the time of giving our Torah.

Oh, and let’s not forget what many associate with this holiday: enjoying at least one meal with dairy products, such as blintzes, cheesecake, macaroni and cheese, and more. So, what’s the story behind the tradition of eating dairy?

Among the laws the Jews received were the laws of Kashrut, which govern the preparation of food. These rules specify which animals are considered kosher and may be eaten, as well as the proper methods for preparing them. Since the Torah was given on the Sabbath, slaughtering animals were not permitted. They also learned that mixing meat and dairy is strictly prohibited. Upon hearing these rules, they panicked. How could they suddenly observe this mitzvah in the desert? They didn’t fully understand these rules, nor did they have kosher pots or plates. So, to begin their Jewish journey properly, they limited their diet to easily prepared dairy products. Today, by eating dairy, we commemorate their devotion.

Wishing all of you a joyous and fulfilling Chag HaShavuot, Chag HaKatzir, and Chag HaBikurim.

Dr. Alex Sternberg:Born in Hungary, emigrated to the US in 1961. USA Karate Champion and sensei. Jewish activist, and leader of JDL. MaccabiUSA Karate Chair over 40 years, “Legend of the Maccabiah” recipient 2018. Inductee Jewish Sports Heritage Ass. 2024 USA Karate Federation Hall of Fame inductee 2015 Author of "Recipes from Auschwitz-The Survival Stories of Two Hungarian Jews with Historical Insight" and "The Toughest Jew in Brooklyn"