When the omer count finally makes it to fifty it's
Shavuot! Then what? Here are a few ways you can celebrate this year.
-Watch
the wheat harvest. Shavuot is about the wheat harvest
and celebrating the bread of life. Get in touch with a local farm or farmer to
see when they will be harvesting their wheat, and if you can visit. Seeing cows
and beehives would also be fitting. If nothing else, go for a drive or bike
ride to see if you can find a farmer gathering their wheat. Usually the timing
is just about right here in the Midwest and farmers harvest the wheat around
Shavuot. Or think about taking family pictures in front of a wheat field.
-Give
the word to someone. On Shavuot we celebrate the giving of
the Torah, why not keep that gift going? Purchase a Bible for someone who
doesn't have one or would benefit from a different translation. Or gather
Bibles to give to a nonprofit like a soup kitchen or homeless shelter so they
can share them with their clients. Children (or adults) could memorize a verse
to recite to grandparents or the congregation as a way to share the word with
others.
-Have
two loaves of bread. Leviticus 23:17 says to bring two
loaves of bread as a wave offering to YHWH. Why not try your hand at baking
bread or purchase a couple of delicious loafs from a bakery? Maybe a new recipe
or trying an unusual kind would make it even more wonderful. Serve them with
different spreads and toppings to make a bruschetta bar or do-it-yourself
grilled cheese. Seeing not one, but two loafs of bread is a reminder that YHWH takes
care of our needs. Thank him for the provision before digging in.
-Get
immersed. In Acts 2 believers were baptized in the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Shavuot. Spend your Shavuot at the lake or on
the beach and get immersed. This would be a great opportunity for meditation on
that passage of Scripture or a group discussion about it.
-Throw
a painting party! Get together a group of friends and render
Bible verses to canvas. Paint or handwrite the words to a favorite verse or the
fruit of the Spirit or the ten commandments. Even if it doesn't turn out a
masterpiece it's still a fun way to focus on Scripture and spend time with
others. Provide canvases, brushes, paint, and lots of newspaper to keep things
clean. A painted or printed out Scripture would also make a great Shavuot gift
for a friend. Another way to give the word.
-Study
Scripture. Aren't we celebrating that we received YHWH's
word? That could look like having friends over for a late night Bible study,
having a picnic near a wheat field to read the book of Ruth, kids acting out a
Bible story, or a dramatic reading. Delving into Scripture is a foundational
part any feast and it should be a joy!
-Provide
for the poor. At the end of the instructions for
Shavuot in Leviticus 23:22, we are reminded to not use all of our resources on
ourselves but leave some for those in need. Could you donate clothing to a
women's shelter at this time of year or non perishables to a food pantry? How
about volunteering as a family at a local nonprofit? Putting together action
packs for Voice of the Martyrs was a memorable Shavuot activity for our congregation.
Donate financially to a missions cause you believe in.
Have a very happy Shavuot!
More ideas for Shavuot:
The Beginner's Guide to Shavuot
The Beginner's Guide to Shavuot
Excellent suggestions! Thank you. Blessings and Shalom Beloved!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this<3
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ideas 😊👌
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to baking bread and for the family and making extra to give out along with the word to others. Thank you for the suggestions.
ReplyDeletePerfect!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI like these ideas. Thank you
ReplyDelete