Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I’ve heard about a Jewish holiday called Shavuot but have little understanding of its significance. Could you explain what Shavuot means and why it is celebrated?
– Caroline Smith

Shavuot: The Feast of Weeks

Dear Caroline,

Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is one of the three biblical pilgrimage festivals, along with Pesach (Passover) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). The name “Shavuot” is Hebrew for “weeks,” and the festival marks the culmination of a seven-week period of counting, known as the Omer, which begins on the second night of Passover.

The Dual Significance of Shavuot

Historically, Shavuot commemorates the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel (Shemot 34:22). But its deeper significance lies in the commemoration of the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai, an event that transformed the Israelites into a nation committed to serving God.

Customs and Observances

It is customary on Shavuot to adorn homes and synagogues with greenery, to eat dairy foods, and to stay up all night studying Torah—a practice known as “Tikkun Leil Shavuot.” The Book of Ruth is read in synagogues because the story of Ruth’s conversion to Judaism and acceptance of the Torah mirrors the spiritual journey of the Jewish people.

Shavuot’s Theological Themes

Theologically, Shavuot challenges us to renew our commitment to the Torah and its teachings. It is a time to reflect on the Sinai experience and contemplate the nature of our relationship with God and His commandments. Shavuot is not only a historical anniversary but an annual opportunity for spiritual renewal and rededication.

Conclusion

In essence, Shavuot is a celebration of Torah, faith, and divine guidance. It is a time when we acknowledge the gift of the Torah, which remains central to the Jewish way of life, and rejoice in the spiritual abundance that it brings to our lives.

May your exploration of Shavuot lead you to a deeper appreciation of its timeless messages and a greater understanding of the Jewish heritage.

Kind regards,
Rabbi Joshua

Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I noticed that the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian holiday of Easter sometimes occur around the same time. Do Jewish people celebrate Easter? If not, could you explain why?
– Emily Thompson

Jewish Observance and Easter

Dear Emily,

Jewish people do not celebrate Easter. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a belief that is not part of Jewish religion or theology. Jewish teachings do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or a divine figure, which are central tenets of Christianity. Therefore, Easter, which is pivotal to the Christian faith, does not have theological significance in Judaism.

Passover: A Time of Jewish Remembrance

Instead, during this time of the year, Jewish people celebrate Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals and commemorates the Exodus, where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. The story of the Exodus is foundational to Jewish identity, as it marks the birth of the Israelites as a nation under the leadership of Moses.

The Passover Seder

The highlight of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal that includes reading from the Haggadah, eating symbolic foods placed on the Seder Plate, and reflecting on the themes of freedom and redemption. Unlike Easter, which celebrates the resurrection, Passover celebrates the liberation of the Israelites and God’s deliverance of them from oppression.

Intersecting Histories

It is true that Passover and Easter often occur around the same time of year and there are historical intersections; after all, the Last Supper, which is commemorated by Christians on Maundy Thursday, was a Passover Seder. However, the two holidays have distinct meanings and are celebrated differently according to each religion’s beliefs and traditions.

Conclusion

In summary, Jewish people do not celebrate Easter as it is a Christian holiday that does not align with Jewish religious beliefs. Passover, however, is a major Jewish holiday that has its own unique rituals and significance. It is a time for Jewish people to gather with family and friends, to remember their history, and to celebrate freedom and hope.

Warm regards,
Rabbi Joshua

Email from Benjamin Levin:
Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I’ve heard about a game called Dreidel associated with Hanukkah, but I’m not entirely sure what it is or how to play it. Could you please explain?
Thanks,
Benjamin Levin

What is Dreidel?

Dear Benjamin,

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, each side engraved with a Hebrew letter. These letters are Nun (נ), Gimel (ג), Hei (ה), and Shin (ש), an acronym for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” which means “A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, the Shin is replaced with a Pei (פ), which changes the acronym to “Nes Gadol Haya Po,” meaning “A great miracle happened here,” in reference to the miracle of Hanukkah that occurred in the land of Israel.

How to Play Dreidel

Basic Rules:

• Each player begins with an equal number of game pieces (e.g., chocolates, pennies, nuts, etc.).
• At the beginning of each round, every player puts one game piece into the central “pot.”
• Additionally, whenever the pot is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot.
• Players then take turns to spin the dreidel once. The side that comes up when the dreidel falls determines the player’s move:
  • Nun (נ) – The player does nothing.
  • Gimel (ג) – The player gets everything in the pot.
  • Hei (ה) – The player gets half of the pieces in the pot. If there’s an odd number of pieces, the player rounds up.
  • Shin (ש) or Pei (פ) – The player adds one of their pieces to the pot.
• When only one player has remaining pieces, that player is the winner and the game ends.

Playing Dreidel: Dreidel is a simple, enjoyable game that combines an element of chance with the celebration of Hanukkah. It is traditionally played to remind us of the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of Jewish resilience.

Educational Aspect: Dreidel is not only fun but can also be educational, especially for children, as it teaches them about the Hanukkah story in an interactive and engaging way.

In conclusion, Benjamin, dreidel is a traditional game that brings joy and festive spirit to the Hanukkah season. It is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday and the miracles that are central to its history. Enjoy spinning the dreidel and may you have a joyous Hanukkah!

With blessings and joy,
Rabbi Joshua