Readings:
Exodus 19:1 – 20:23
Numbers 28:26-31
Deuteronomy 14:22 – 16:17 

This week is the celebration of the Jewish Feast of SHAVUOT or “weeks”, in which the period of Counting the Omer, which began on the second night of Passover and lasts 7 weeks and takes place on the 50th day. This event is one that reaches to the depth of the Jewish soul, the time when over 3,000 years ago God gave His eternal Word to His people at Mt. Sinai. It was a time of the Giving of Torah, the Divine Law to the Israelites and calling them together as a nation. In Israel it is a time of rejoicing, usually celebrated in late May or early June.

Let’s paint a picture –

The Israelites have left Egypt on the way to the Promised Land. They are camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai. God speaks to Moses and tells him that He wants to make the Israelites His “chosen people”, a “holy nation” to follow His laws. The people agree and they want to hear this directly from God. They gather. God begins to speak – to deliver the Ten Commandments. The people listen – the thunder and lightning power of God begins. It is intense and the people start to fear. They tell Moses, “Let God tell YOU and you tell us!”

Moses’ connection with God is strong and he receives His Words. The Commandments and Laws are given by God. Moses relates all the Commandments and Laws to the newly formed nation. This perhaps was the most significant event to ever enter the hearts of the Jewish people. It was the beginning of Judaism in written form. God’s will had been fully expressed to mankind – His Chosen. This is God’s Feast, forever to be commemorated yearly by His people.

SHAVUOT – 50 days after the Feast of Passover. In the Christian tradition there is also a celebration of the 50th day which is referred to as Pentecost (Acts 2:1). It marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual gifts.

READ ALSO: The Book of Ruth
This book expresses Ruth’s fidelity to Naomi and the God of Israel. It is a picture of the expression the Israelites give upon receiving Torah.