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Shavuot (2025)

 Shavuot

Dvar Torah
Shavuot has 3 aspects to it, as an agricultural holiday it signifies the beginning of the summer harvest and the official commencement of bringing the Bikkurim - the first fruit - to Jerusalem. It also is the 50th day since Passover and we celebrate the completion of the seven weeks of the Omer cycle. Finally, according to our sages it also commemorates the giving of the Torah at Sinai.

Together, these three aspects signify a departure from the more passive events of Passover where we were led in the miraculous exodus from Egypt towards a more proactive service of G-d in Eretz Yisrael. We grow and bring the fruit, we count the Omer day by day, and we strive to be diligent in our Torah study. In totality, Shavuot represents our acceptance of Mitzvot and our commitment and tenacity in proactively keeping them.

About Shavuot
Shavuot commences tonight and goes out on Tuesday evening (except in Israel where it is completed already Monday evening). Its observance is like Passover and Sukkot, similar to the Shabbat, save for most cooking related labor which is permitted. It is customary to stay awake all night in Torah study and to eat dairy foods.Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach!

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