The rose and its stages…taken by me in 2005.

Tonight begins the important festival of Shavuot, or festival of weeks. It is the second of three major Jewish festivals. It is a festival that celebrates the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai, an event of extreme importance. It will end on Saturday May 30th at nightfall.

It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot, and one theory regarding this is that the Torah is synonymous with “milk and honey”. Decorating one’s home, and decorating synagogues with flowers is another custom. Reading the Book of Ruth is customary, as Ruth’s conversion to Judaism is symbolic with the accepting of the covenant at Mount Sinai. Also of significance is the fact that King David is descended from her.

Morning glories sound their trumpets in joyous union. Taken by me.

Hag Matan Toratinu, which means the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah, is a wonderful and beautiful festival. We were given the Torah, only once, and it is up to us to continue to receive its significance and messages, and incorporate them in our daily lives.

Chag Sameach!
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Thursday May 28, 2009 – 5th of Sivan, 5769