Shavuot

Shavuot is a minor, ancient pilgrimage festival that marked the harvest of barley. Shavuot literally means “weeks,” so named because the festival is exactly seven weeks (plus one day) from the second night of Passover.   For Humanistic Jews, Shavuot is a wonderful day for picnics with fresh loaves of challah.

Sadly, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to celebrate in the same way. Fortunately, there are other ways to celebrate. We could have virtual picnics, each family picnicking in its own backyard, and sharing the experience with others, connecting without congregating.