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Shavuot Customs and Rituals
Shavuot, like several other Jewish holidays, began as an agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem – the “first fruits” of their harvest.
Purim: History
The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, one of the books in the Ketuvim (Writings) section of the Bible. It is set in the land of Persia (current day Iran) at the time when Ahashverosh was king. King Ahashverosh held a banquet in the capital city of Shushan and ordered his queen, Vashti, to come and dance before his guests. She refused to appear and lost her royal position.
Purim: Customs and Rituals
In the Book of Esther, we read that Purim is a time for "feasting and merrymaking," as well as for "sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor" (Esther 9:22).
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a Reform-originated ceremony for boys and girls that is tied to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The Story of Shavuot: The First Rules for a Free People
At the end of the Passover story "The Greatest Escape", we left the Israelites celebrating their escape from slavery in Egypt. What happened next? Where did they go?
Purim: The Upside Down Holiday
Purim is the most curious of the Jewish holidays. Rabbis have sanctioned, even encouraged behavior that was ordinarily forbidden by halachah (Jewish law)
Quiz: Which Purim Character are You?
Which Purim character are you most like? Take our quiz to find out!
Why Do We Read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot?
No story in the Bible better demonstrates than the Book of Ruth the extraordinary power of love that goes beyond the expected obligation.
Shavuot Reexamined: How Can We Elevate the Holiday?
How can we reexamine this often-underlooked festival and apply it to our lives as Reform Jews? In this interview, Rabbi Matt Green of Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) in Brooklyn, N.Y., talks a bit about what Shavuot means to him and how we, as Reform Jews, can apply it to our lives.