Shavuot: More Than Just Cheesecake (Though We Love That Too!)
When I was growing up, Shavuot got left out of Temple celebrations in Religious School because the holiday always fell after Religious School had ended it’s year. It wasn’t until Confirmation that I learned about the holiday and the significance of it. I was one of the Torah readers for our confirmation service. The portion is actually the 10 commandments and I remember the words taking on new meaning.
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. This was a transformational moment for the Israelites as a Jewish People. Moses receiving the 10 commandments from God on Mt. Sinai made us a cohesive group, with rules and laws and purpose, not just a group wandering in the desert escaping slavery. Accepting the Torah is a big deal—it was for them then, and it still is for us now.
In the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), the themes we bring out on Shavuot are not new. They are things we talk about and practice all year long. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Mitzvot (good deeds) are familiar words and actions. The “Book of Ruth,” a traditional Shavuot story, fits in well with our efforts to foster kind and caring friends who help each other. We look for ways to take care of the community around us. The 10 commandments themselves give us lots of room for discussion and conversation with our young friends. For example, we celebrate Shabbat in our classrooms and together, as a school, each week! Commandment 4 – CHECK!
And, of course… Shavuot is known as the Dairy holiday, in reference to Israel being a land that is flowing with milk and honey. Dairy treats are always a favorite. We sometimes even like to make our own ice cream in the classrooms (milk, sugar and a ton of shaking!) This and so many other activities are meaningful memories that are the building blocks of strong Jewish Identities for our kids and our families.
Chag Shavuot Sameach! Wishing you a meaningful holiday filled with ice cream (and maybe a few blitzes and absolutely some cheesecake.)
