On Sunday (May 31), Christians and Jews celebrated as one. The occasion was Pentecost (Greek) , the feast of fifty days, or Shavout (Hebrew), the feast of Weeks or the festival of First Fruits.
Shavout marks the end of Passover season. 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 by celebrating the birth of the Church. According to the Acts of the Apostles, God's gift to the infant Church was the Holy Spirit.
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, much greenery and blazing red decor.
Blessings this Pentecost! "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!"
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