Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Congregation Beth Sholom invites the public to join us as Rabbi Allen leads a special Shavuot Shabbat service on Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m.

Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. It is customary to stay up studying scripture on the night before Shavuot, as spiritual preparation to receive the Torah personally. 

The Torah Roundtable will be the preparatory study for the holiday. It provides a unique opportunity to talk with the rabbi as she leads an informal and interactive discussion. It is held at the Sumter County Administration Building (with the golden dome) at 7375 Powell Rd. (near Pinellas Plaza and 466A), Wildwood.

The Shavuot Shabbat service will be held at Congregation Beth Sholom, located at 315 North 13th Street in Leesburg, with the entrance on Center Street. The special Torah service includes the reading of the Ten Commandments. A traditional dairy lunch will follow the service. 

On Shavuot, the Book of Ruth is also read, both because of its depiction of the grain harvest and because Ruth accepted the Torah. As part of this Feast of Weeks, we conclude the counting of the omer, continued during the 49 days from Passover to Shavuot, representing the offering of First Fruits (another name for the holiday) brought to the Temple in Jerusalem at the wheat harvest. 

There are many more fascinating customs and traditions surrounding Shavuot. Attend these events to learn more about this joyful celebration.

For more information see our website at BethSholomFlorida.org or call 352-326-3692.