May 2013: Shavuot
May 2013: Shavuot
Shavuot historically involved the ancient practice of offering bikkurim, or first fruit as part of a public celebration. The Torah describes in detail how the obligation is fulfilled. Our lives have changed from those in the Israelite’s agricultural society. Judaism has also evolved from a central theme of Temple offerings. The holiday of Shavuot has developed more into a celebration about receiving the Torah. There are, however, many lessons for us to learn from the practice of Hag HaBikkurim.