The Jewish pilgrimage holiday, Shevuot (Festival of Weeks), occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. It begins Sunday night, June 2. All Jewish holidays and other significant Jewish days start at nightfall — the moment stars first appear. That’s why Jews commence their weekly seventh-day Sabbath observance on Friday evening rather than Saturday morning.
The Festival of Weeks derives its name from the biblical commandment to count each day beginning on the second day of Passover for seven weeks. The completion of this count culminates in the Festival of Shevuot. Shevuot marks the start of the wheat harvesting season, and during the era of Temple offerings, it was commemorated by bringing a meal offering of bread along with other sacrifices. According to rabbinic tradition, Shevuot is also the day when the Ten Commandments were revealed at Mount Sinai.
Synagogues traditionally read the Book of Ruth during Shevuot. Although the story does not explicitly reference Shevuot, it is set against the backdrop of wheat harvesting. I highly recommend reading this charming biblical story, if only for its entertainment value. Like Cinderella, Ruth is a rags-to-riches tale. It is especially inspiring because Ruth’s prosperity stems not merely from luck but from the rewards of a life dedicated to loving kindness.
Here is my translation of a section from a notable discussion among Jewish sages regarding the merits of The Book of Ruth:
“Our rabbis said, this manuscript (referring to the Book of Ruth) does not contain laws of impurity or purity, nor laws regarding what is permissible and forbidden. Why, then, was it written? It was written to teach the rewards of performing acts of loving kindness.”
Rabbi Yolie Kranz, formerly of Swampscott and now residing out of state, once told me (and I’m paraphrasing), “Sometimes one can learn more about leading a good life from a good story than from a good set of laws.”
Hersh Goldman is a Swampscott resident.
