Pentecost Begins This Evening

The Festival of Shavout or Weeks begins at sundown.  Christians know the observance as Pentecost.   

For seven days, the faithful give thanks for the harvest.  It is the season to celebrate the Lord's abundance and goodness.  In response, one brings the "first fruits" in gratitude.

In addition, the festival remembers the gift of the Torah.  Appropriately, the Ten Commandments take center stage among the many readings.  In keeping with the harvest theme, the Book of Ruth is read.

For Christians at Pentecost, the gift of God is the Holy Spirit.  Since Pentecost is somewhat less of an observance for the Church, it might serve us to explore the customs and observances of Shavout in biblical and modern Israel.

*Please note that I will not be blogging in June due to a heavy schedule of meetings and an upcoming move.  

Shavout and Pentecost

At sunset today, the celebration of Shavuot begins. Shavuot is one the three pilgrim festivals mandated by the scriptures. The Festival of Weeks, as it is also called, follows the observance of Passover by fifty days.

The gifts of God remembered in the celebrations of Shavuot are Torah and the wheat harvest. Christians remember as well the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In ancient times as well as today, the mood of the worshipper was one of extreme joy. Meals were festive whenever possible. Torah study lasted through the night. The Book of Ruth is still read for it's themes which parallel the interpretation given the holiday.

Christians will gather on Sunday (June 12) to observe Pentecost, the name given to Shavuot by Hellenistic Jews. As we gather in our varied settings, may our God draw near as God did on Mount Sinai and in ancient Jerusalem. May we worship God with glad and generous hearts.