On Saturday and Sunday (May 23-24), Jews celebrated Shavuot. Today Christians will join in the celebration of Pentecost. This shared feast is also known as the festival of First Fruits.
Shavuot marks the end of Passover season for the Jew. A sacrifice of grain is offered in gratitude for the spring harvest. According to the Talmud, the holiday is associated with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.
Pentecost brings to a close the fifty days of Easter for the Christian and celebrates the birth of the Church. According to the Acts of the Apostles, God's gift to the infant Church was the Holy Spirit.
For the faithful, the Book of Ruth, the Song of Songs, and the Ten Commandments are to be read during this festival. Further celebrations are a sensual delight with challa in the shape of a ladder, cheese blintzes, and much greenery and blazing red decor. Blessings this Pentecost! "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!"
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