Traditional Jewish observance of Shavuot is multi-faceted, and has evolved somewhat from biblical times. As recorded in the Torah, biblical observance centered around grain and animal offerings. Part of the wheat offering was baked into two loaves of leavened bread, a striking contrast to the matzah a few weeks before. Leaven symbolically represents sin. These two loaves were brought into the Temple and, with great ceremony, waved in every direction before the Lord. This act was a public statement of God’s provision for all his people (Mishna Bikkurim 3:2).

Another lesson of this feast relates to the presenter’s need for atonement. This can be seen in the animal sacrifices that accompanied the wheat offering. The vicarious offering of the lambs, bull and rams was to symbolize the need for an innocent victim to remove sin from the people. Leviticus 17:11 summarizes the theme of the Torah sacrifices:

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.

These sacrifices foreshadow the fulfillment—Yeshua, the Messiah, the perfect sacrifice for atonement!

Since the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., modern Jewish observance of Shavuot has changed. It is still a time to remember God’s faithfulness; however, an additional, fascinating tradition has evolved. Rabbis discovered that the Israelites came to Mount Sinai in the third month after Passover (Exodus 19:1). Shavuot is the day Moses received the Law to deliver to the people. Modern observance includes celebrating the giving of the Torah. Hence, the rabbinic name for Shavuot is Zman Matan Torateynu (the Time of the Giving of our Law).

This conviction affects the customs of this holy day. The synagogue is usually decorated in greenery, flowers and baskets of fruit to symbolize the harvest aspect of Shavuot. The Scripture reading is Exodus 19–20 (the giving of the Law), and Ezekiel 1 (the prophet’s vision of God’s glory). The scroll of Ruth is also read since it takes place during the spring harvest.

Another special custom, Tikun Leil Shavuot (Preparing for the Arrival of Shavuot), developed from the Jewish people’s love for the Torah. Traditional Jews stay up the first night of this holy day studying the Torah.

Many synagogues customarily hold confirmation services for teenagers during this season to recognize their culminated childhood studies of the Torah.

Talmudic rabbis attributed a messianic significance to Shavuot. In Tractate Sanhedrin 93b of the Talmud an interesting discussion is recorded concerning some of the details in the scroll of Ruth. Spiritual significance is ascribed to the six measures of barley Ruth presented to Boaz (Ruth 3:15). Some rabbis considered these six measures representative of six famous descendants of Ruth the Moabitess. These six include David, Daniel and King Messiah! Believers in Yeshua easily recognize the great messianic significance of the latter first fruits.

Home celebration of Shavuot follows many of the same customs of other biblical holy days. As Pentecost approaches, the holiday table is set with the best linen and dishes. The yom tov (holiday) candles are kindled by the woman of the house. After the traditional blessings and prayer, blessings are chanted over the cup of wine or kosher grape juice (kiddush). The challah bread is then blessed and shared by all.