Shavuot (shah-voo-OHT) is the Feast of Weeks. Gentiles know it by its Greek name, Pentacost. It was during this holy day, when Jews from all over were gathered in Jerusalem, that the Holy Spirit came upon believers in Jesus the Messiah, and they shared G-d's Word in languages not their own (Acts 2).
Shavuot is a wheat harvest celebration that occurs 50 days (7 weeks) after Passover. Flowers and greenery are used to decorate, and a sacrifice of two loaves of bread (one for Jews and one for Gentiles) is given. The book of Ruth, with its harvest theme, is read.
Tradition holds that King David was both born and died on Shavuot, and Peter used the prophecies of David to speak of the resurrection of Jesus during Shavuot (Acts 2:25-37).
Tradition also says that Moses received the law during Shavuot, so the Ten Commandments are read. Some people stay up all night studying the Torah, to reenact the Mt. Sinai experience.
It is interesting to note that under the law of Moses, a man traveled up to meet with G-d, and three thousand died in one day on Shavuot. (Ex. 32:28). After the coming of Jesus, the Holy Spirit of G-d came down to live with man, and three thousand were given eternal life in one day on Shavuot (Acts 2:41).
It is traditional to eat milk products during this feast day, because when the law was given, the people were like newborn babies, just beginning to understand G-d.
Thus, Peter wrote, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word..."
(1 Pet. 2:2, KJV).
