Shavuot
- 6-7 Sivan
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
The holiday of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) celebrates the harvest
in Israel and also is known as Yom haBikkurim (Day of First Fruits). The
holiday reminds us to provide a portion of our gatherings to the poor – as does
National Hunger Awareness Day, which was created to focus attention on hunger in
America. In 2004, more than 36 million Americans faced food insecurity. The "Confronting
Poverty Initiative" of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs provides important
information and suggestions for action.
By COREY PODELL
Shavuot might not be as well known as some of the other major
Jewish holidays, but it is nonetheless an important chag, contends Corey
Podell, especially from a social action point of view. During Shavuot, writes Podell,
Jews should celebrate by reaching out to strangers, donating food to pantries, and
becoming more aware of our fragile environment.
By RABBI DAVID ROSENN
In the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth said, “Today I helped Boaz”.
Wasn’t it the other way around?
By RABBI BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON
The weekly Torah portion preceding Shavuot, parashat Naso, addresses
the issue of dealing with individuals with physical disabilities. Rabbi Bradley
Shavit Artson provides an insightful commentary. Yesodot ("Foundations")
builds Jewish community foundations for people with disabilities by strengthening
and empowering them and their families and by developing connections within and
without the Jewish community.
Produced by the Religious Action
Center of Reform Judaism
This guide focuses on four issues connected with Shavuot: economic
justice, the environment, world Jewry and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
(GLBT) issues and advocacy.
