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Let’s delve into the beauty and significance of Shavuot! Here’s your guide to celebrating the Jewish holiday filled with unity, Torah wisdom and cherished customs. Join us as we explore the lighting of holiday candles, synagogue visits for the Ten Commandments reading, relishing a delectable dairy meal and immersing ourselves in the joyous tradition of night-long Torah study. Plus, discover the anticipation built during the counting period since Passover. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together.

Unity: Insights from the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the world’s most influential Jewish leaders, stressed the importance of unity within the Jewish community. He believed that unity not only brings blessings to the world but also serves as a foundation for spiritual growth. When we are truly unified as one people with one heart, then this is a fitting preparation for receiving the one Torah from the one God.

Lighting Holiday Candles: Illuminating the Path: As Shavuot commences, we light holiday candles, symbolizing the spiritual light that emanated from Mount Sinai during the Giving of the Torah. The warm glow serves as a reminder of the divine teachings that guide our lives and bring sanctity to our homes.

Let’s Talk About Shavuot: A Guide to Celebrating the Jewish Holiday!

Synagogue: The Ten Commandments Reading: A central element of Shavuot is the community’s gathering at the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments. This powerful moment allows us to relive the awe-inspiring experience of our ancestors standing at Mount Sinai, ready to receive the precious gift of the Torah. Through this communal observance, we connect with our heritage and strengthen our bond with the Divine.

Festive Dairy Meal: Nourishing the Body and Soul: Shavuot traditions include indulging in a delightful festive dairy meal. There are various explanations for this custom, including our ancestors’ hesitancy to consume meat immediately after receiving the dietary laws of kosher meat consumption, until they were properly prepared for doing so. Moreover, the Torah is often associated with “milk and honey,” highlighting its nourishing and sweet attributes. As we gather with loved ones, we savor dairy delicacies, celebrating the richness of our heritage.

Night-Long Torah Study: Immersion in Wisdom: Another unique aspect of Shavuot is the tradition of staying up all night engaged in Torah study. This practice reflects our deep commitment to the Torah and our eagerness to explore its profound wisdom. Communities organize inspiring lectures, study sessions and discussions, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual growth and connection throughout the night.

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Counting Anticipation: From Passover to Shavuot: Since the conclusion of Passover, we have been counting the Omer, a period of anticipation spanning seven weeks. This counting represents the journey from physical liberation to spiritual revelation, preparing us for the momentous occasion of receiving the Torah on Shavuot. Each day brings us closer to this joyous celebration, infusing it with a sense of eager expectation.

Embracing the Essence: Shavuot is a cherished Jewish holiday that celebrates unity, the Giving of the Torah, and the joys of communal observance. From kindling the holiday candles to hearing the Ten Commandments at the synagogue, indulging in a festive dairy meal to engaging in night-long Torah study, every aspect of Shavuot serves to deepen our connection to our heritage and strengthen our spiritual bonds.

As we reflect on the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe regarding unity and the anticipation built during the counting period, let us embrace the true essence of Shavuot. Together, we can create a ripple effect of blessings that extends far beyond ourselves.

Wishing you a meaningful and joyous Shavuot celebration filled with unity, Torah study, and divine inspiration. Chag Sameach!

Do you have a question about Shavuot or just want to send holiday wishes? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

What a special two day celebration of Rosh Hashanah it was! (The Jewish new year goes according to the lunar calendar). We had hundreds of guests from all over the world. 

Rosh Hashanah: Is it all just apples and honey

Usually, dinner hosts sit at the table with their guests. My husband and I were more like emcees, explaining all the symbolism and special traditions throughout the evening. 

In Hebrew, “rosh” means “head.” Just like the head holds everything that controls the entire body, Rosh Hashanah holds an amazing potential for everything that we do for the whole year.  With that in mind, I asked our holiday dinner guests, “Since we are at a new beginning, what is something that you would like to work on, to better yourself? What “hachlata tova” (good resolution) would you like to make?

How do you inspire others

I invited those who wanted to share aloud to do so. It’s known that if you want to challenge yourself with something new, share that endeavor with someone. Telling someone about it makes it real and holds you more accountable to get it done.

But more than that, I wanted whoever wished, to share to do it out loud, because I knew that even more than we each would be inspired by whatever we would take upon ourselves, it would encourage and inspire others as well.

Why is it important to challenge yourself

Some knew right away what they wanted to share. Others had to give it some thought. And there were those who did not initially want to share at all. But as more people spoke up, it did indeed inspire those more hesitant to speak up as well. We all want to do better and improve ourselves. That’s how we grow intellectually and emotionally.

Some of the many resolutions that were made at the Rosh Hashanah table were:

  • Take my physical therapy for my hip more seriously. 
  • Complain less.
  • Take better care of myself.
  • Learn how to speak another language.

We discussed how everyone can do anything for 5 minutes a day. So that would be our starting place. Start small and make it happen.

Did you make a resolution on Rosh Hashanah? It’s not too late. Tell me in the comments below what you choose. I’m rooting for you!

👉👉👉 Got leftover apples? Here’s the Apple Cinnamon Crumb cake they will love! : It’s after Rosh Hashanah. Now What?
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