More then 100 Gather for the Special Live Shavuot Zoom Encounter for the World Noahide Community 5784
By Rabbi Moshe Perets
What is Shavuot? Understanding the Festival of the Giving of the Torah
Shavuot (June 12, 2024) is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the monumental event when G‑d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, exactly 3,336 years ago. This year, as we celebrate Shavuot on 6 Sivan 5784, we look back to that historic day on 6 Sivan 2448, marking a profound moment in Jewish history.
The Essence of Shavuot
Shavuot, which means “weeks,” celebrates the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot. This period is characterized by eager anticipation and spiritual preparation, leading up to the giving of the Torah.
Shavuot also means “oaths,” signifying the eternal devotion G‑d swore to the Jewish people and the everlasting loyalty they pledged to Him. This dual significance enriches the festival, making it a time of deep spiritual reflection and celebration.
Historical Observances
In ancient times, two wheat loaves would be offered in the Holy Temple on Shavuot. It was also the time when people would begin to bring bikkurim, their first and choicest fruits, to thank G‑d for Israel’s bounty.
The Seven Noahide Commandments and Shavuot
The connection between Shavuot and the Seven Noahide Commandments is profound. According to Exodus 19:9, the recounting and recording of the Seven Noahide Commandments by Moses took place at Mount Sinai two days before G‑d spoke openly to the entire Jewish nation. In Exodus 24:3, it states, “Moses came and told the people all the words of G-d and all the laws…” Here, “all the laws” refers to the Seven Noahide Commandments and some of the Jewish Commandments that the Israelites had already been commanded before arriving at Mount Sinai.
In Exodus 24:4, “Moses wrote all the words of God” signifies that he wrote down the Book of Genesis, which contains the verses about the earlier Covenant of Noah and the Noahide Commandments, and the Book of Exodus up to that point. Thus, G‑d commanded the Jewish people to preserve and publicize the Noahide Commandments and all their details for all nations and generations based on the revelation at Mount Sinai.
Practically, What Can a Noahide Do on Shavuot?
Here are some ways Noahides can participate in the celebration of Shavuot:
Study the Seven Commandments:
Revisit the Seven Noahide Commandments and their details to deepen your understanding and commitment.
Stay Awake and Study Torah: Men may choose to stay awake during the night, similar to the Jewish tradition, and study Torah.
Charity: Giving charity is a meaningful way to honor the spirit of Shavuot.
Candle Lighting: Women and girls can light candles on the dinner table to mark the day.
Attend Synagogue: All men, women, and children can go to the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments on the first day of Shavuot.
Celebrate with Special Meals: Prepare and enjoy special meals, incorporating dairy foods as per Jewish custom, such as cheese blintzes, quiches, and casseroles.
Read the Book of Ruth: Reading the Book of Ruth is customary, as King David, a descendant of Ruth the Moabite, passed away on this day.
Decorate with Flowers: Some have the custom to decorate their homes and synagogues with flowers and sweet-smelling plants in advance of Shavuot.
Join Us in Celebrating Shavuot
We recently held a profound Zoom conference discussing "The Giving of the 10 and the 7 Commandments for Humanity" on Shavuot. For those who couldn’t attend, we invite you to watch the video of this enriching event here.
As we celebrate Shavuot, let us reflect on the deep connections and responsibilities shared between the Jewish people and the Noahide community.
May this festival bring us closer to our spiritual roots and enhance our understanding of G‑d's eternal wisdom.
Rabbi Moshe Perets is the President of the Noahide Academy of Israel, Founder and Executive Director of NoahideAcademy.org, the world’s largest Noahide informational website. He accomplished his Rabbinical Studies at the Chabad Yeshiva and his medical studies at the University of Louvain in Brussels, Belgium.
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