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SHAVUOT

SPECIAL READINGS

FIRST DAY

            Torah Portion-Exodus 19:1-20:23

            Maftir-Numbers 28:26-31

      HafTorah-Ezekiel 1:1-28, 3:12

      Reading of the Ten Commandments

SECOND DAY

      Torah Portion-Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17

      Maftir-Numbers 28:26:31

      HafTorah-Habakkuk 2:20-3:19

      Reading of the Book of Ruth

During the month of Sivan, specifically on the sixth day of the month, we celebrate the anniversary of the giving of the Torah.  This is the most awesome day that we, as a people, memorialize.  Also known as the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost (meaning 50 days), Hag HaKazir (the Feast of the Harvest) this day marks the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat season in Israel.  We read in the Torah that the people of G-d would bring the first fruits as their thanksgiving offering during this time, thus the name Yom HaBikkurim, the Day of the First Fruits.

The children of Israel prepared for the giving of the Torah and meeting G-d at His Mountain.  For three days they prepared by purifying themselves.  Today, many people stay up all night studying Torah and commentaries relating to G-d’s holy Word to commemorate the giving of the Torah.

On this day we also commemorate the giving of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) spoken of in Acts chapter 2.  G-d gave a new revelation of Himself to His people regarding His will.  In Acts, the Ruach HaKodesh gives us the power to speak of the holy Torah and prepare the people for the “marriage day” when the Bridegroom, Yeshua, will come and be with us forever.  The Torah will go forth from Zion and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

As G-d’s people spoke at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:4-6, 8), “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.”  Now, all of G-d’s people share this day, this time of joy.  Let us all say, just as our ancestors did, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.”

Happy Holiday

Shalom U’Bracha

Rabbi Z.

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