S - Shavuot

This post is a part of the A to Z Challenge. This year I have decided to go themeless. Each day I will post about whatever topic pops into my head. The result of this spontaneity is anyone's guess. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Shavuot is coming! For those unfamiliar with the term, Shavuot is more commonly known as Pentecost. It is a celebration that takes place 50 days after First Fruits. What's First Fruits? That's the first day after the first Sabbath during Unleavened Bread. In this case, First Fruits is this Sunday. We then count 7 weeks plus one day, or 50 days, until Shavuot, as described in Leviticus 23. Our congregation typically spends the day at the lake with an outdoor service. Those of us who can, camp for the weekend. It's a lot of fun and we really enjoy it. Shavuot tends to get overshadowed by Pesach (Passover) in the Spring and Sukkot (Tabernacles) in the Fall. I don't understand why it's not given more significance. Traditionally, it is believed to be the day that the Torah was given at Mt. Sinai. It is also the day that the Ruach Ha'Kodesh (Holy Spirit) was poured out on the 120 men in the upper room in Jerusalem. You would think those events would merit a little celebration. We're doing our part at our congregation. We try to make sure it doesn't pass by without notice. We'll begin our 50 day count on Sunday to make sure everyone involved remembers.