To the editor:
This week, the Jewish community will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. Shavuot is also referred to as the “Feast of Weeks,” as the Hebrew word Shavuot literally means “weeks.” It takes place seven weeks from the second Passover seder. Another name for Shavuot is the Greek word “Pentecost,” which means 50th, as Shavuot begins 50 days after the first seder.
On this holiday, we celebrate both the summer harvest and the receiving of the Torah and Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. In ancient times, we would celebrate this holiday by bringing offerings of first fruits of the harvest. In observance of Shavuot today, we read from the Book of Ruth. The reason for this is because the Book of Ruth takes place around the same time of year (during the barley harvest) and because Ruth’s accepting Naomi’s religion (Judaism) as her own reminds us of the Israelites accepting the Torah at Mount Sinai.
When we celebrate Shavuot, we celebrate the Torah. The Torah is essential to Judaism. It provides us with laws and stories to help guide our lives. The Hebrew word Torah literally means “instruction.” It is an instruction book for life. Just as the Torah takes care of our spiritual needs, we are obligated to take care of the Torah as well. Right now, one of our Torahs at Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregtion is in need of some repairs. If you are interested in donating to help repair our Torah, please send an email to rabbi@gsjc.org for more information.
To learn more about Shavuot and the Torah, Rabbi Wasserman invites those interested to attend services this Friday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation at 37 Main St., Southington. Please email rabbi@gsjc.org for more information or visit www.GSJC.org.
Rabbi Alana Wasserman
Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation, serving Southington and abutting towns and cities
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