Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is one of the three major festivals in Judaism, along with Passover and Sukkot. The holiday falls fifty days after Passover, hence the name "Festival of Weeks." According to Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the day on which Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Shavuot holds great significance for Jews, as it marks the day on which they received the Torah. It is a time for reflection and renewal of the commitment to the Jewish faith. The holiday is also associated with the agricultural cycle in ancient Israel, as it marked the beginning of the wheat harvest.
The holiday is traditionally celebrated by studying the Torah and attending special services in the synagogue. It is also a time for family gatherings and feasting on dairy foods, such as cheesecake and blintzes, as well as fruits and vegetables. The custom of eating dairy foods is believed to symbolize the sweetness and richness of the Torah.
In Israel, Shavuot is celebrated by decorating homes and synagogues with flowers and greenery. The holiday is also marked by a custom called tikkun leil Shavuot, or "rectification of Shavuot night," which involves staying up all night to study the Torah. This custom is believed to reflect the Jewish people's eagerness to receive the Torah.
In the diaspora, Shavuot is often celebrated with Yizkor, a memorial service for the dead. The holiday is also marked by reading the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of a convert to Judaism and is seen as an example of the rewards of living a righteous life.
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