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We incorporate into our celebrations a recognition of the freedom, obligations and unity bestowed upon us, wherever we are in the world, and connects us with our history, heritage and identity.

Shavuot, A Celebration of Israel






4:15 am Jerusalem

Breathing in the blessedly cool pre-dawn air, I join the flood of thousands of Jews on the darkened streets of Jerusalem hurrying to the Kotel, drawn like iron filings to a magnet.

Judy Lash Balint, Shavuot: Only in Israel?






The “non celebration” of Shavuot by so many Jews is paradoxical given the important significance of the festival, this incredible double celebration of land and life as we culminate our Exodus from Egypt.

Dr. Jonathan Mirvis, The Shavuot Paradox





Shavuot is a time for Jews to focus on what it means to have a text and grapple with it, to be and to celebrate being the people of the book. But, what does it mean to be the people of the book these days?

Beth Kissileff, Fading Traditions






Maybe the message is that we have to finish the job that our ancestors started 3,300 years ago when they first entered the land. Maybe that’s the message hidden in the fact that Israeli Independence day falls right in the middle of the intermediate period between Passover and Shavuot - the Exodus from Egypt to receiving the Torah at Mt Sinai. It’s all part of the same story and the same destiny.

Ken Spiro, The Deeper Connection






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