Shavuot
Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and marks the completion of the seven-week count from Passover.
It also commemorates the outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) in Acts 2, which occurred on Shavuot and empowered the early Jewish believers in Yeshua.
Thus, Shavuot beautifully unites the giving of God’s Word and His Spirit—both essential to the life of a follower of the Messiah.
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Giving of the Holy Spirit
On Pentecost (Shavuot), the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was poured out upon the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in many languages and boldly proclaim the message of Yeshua.
This outpouring fulfilled the promises of the prophets and Yeshua Himself, marking the beginning of the New Covenant era foretold in Jeremiah 31.
For believers, it signifies God’s indwelling presence, the transformation of the heart, and the power to live out His purposes in unity and holiness.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Many Jews stay up the night of Shavuot to study the Torah, symbolizing a deep love and readiness to receive God’s Word as Israel did at Sinai.
Messianic believers passages from the New Covenant (Brit Chadasha), celebrating the giving of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of God’s revelation through Yeshua.
Eating Dairy Foods
It is customary to eat dairy on Shavuot, with explanations ranging from the Torah being compared to “milk and honey” to the idea that the Israelites had no kosher meat laws yet when they received the Torah.
Messianic Jews may enjoy this tradition while reflecting on the nourishment of both the written Torah and the living Torah—Yeshua, the Bread of Life.
Reading
the Book of Ruth
Reading the Book of Ruth:
On Shavuot, the Book of Ruth is traditionally read because its events take place during the harvest season and Ruth’s acceptance of the God of Israel mirrors Israel’s acceptance of the Torah.
Ruth’s story also highlights the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s covenant family through faith—foreshadowing the unity of Jew and Gentile in the Messiah.
