Synagogues and homes are traditionally decorated with fresh flowers and greenery in honor of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring. Traditionally, homes and synagogues are surrounded by miniature trees, green or flowering plants, branches, and sweet-smelling floral arrangements.
Trees and other vegetation are placed inside Jewish homes as a reminder of the importance of the Torah. The plants and trees honor the creator who provided the Torah and the wisdom within its pages. Shavuot marked the beginning of the agricultural season and was known as “The Harvest Holiday.”
Favorite flowers for the occasion include lilies, which represent the lily of the valley to which Israel is likened in the Song of Songs (2:1-2), and roses, which are selected due to a humorous reworking of a line from the Book of Esther (8:14).
Traditionally, flowers like lilies and roses were placed directly on Torah scrolls, singly, in wreaths, garlands, or garlands. Sifrei is the plural version of the Hebrew word for scroll, Sefer.
What is Shavuot?
After the Omer count, seven weeks following Passover, the feast of Shavuot is observed (a verbal counting on each of the 49 days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot).
This celebration honors both the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the harvesting of the summer’s grain crop. Shavuot, one of the three ancient holidays known as “pilgrimage festivals,” mandated all Jewish men to go to Jerusalem and present God with an offering of their first fruits.
When is Shavuot?
Shavuot is observed over two days, beginning at sunset on the 5th of Sivan and concluding on the evening of the 7th of Sivan (June 4-6, 2022). From the evening of the 5th of Sivan until the evening of the 6th, the holiday is celebrated in Israel and by Jewish people around the world.
What is the Significance of Shavuot?
Shavuot (often written Shavuos) refers to “weeks.” This feast signifies the conclusion of the seven weeks known as the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot.
God handed the Torah to the Jewish people at the base of Mount Sinai on the feast of Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. On the occasion of Shavuot, the purpose is to renew one’s desire to accept God’s gift, and it is believed that God “re-gives” the Torah each year.
Shavuot, often called “The Feast of Weeks,” is one of the three biblical feasts linked with pilgrimage. Other holidays include Passover and Sukkot. In Israel, the festival is celebrated on the sixth of Sivan. However, it is commemorated in the rest of the world on both the sixth and seventh of Sivan.
Why Do We Decorate With Flowers on Shavuot?
To commemorate the holiday of Shavuot, it became customary to adorn one’s home, synagogue, and even the Torah scroll with flowers and greenery. This was done to celebrate the festival. According to a Midrashic text, the region at the foot of Mount Sinai, where the Jews stood in awe as they awaited the delivery of the Torah, was carpeted with fragrant greens and flowers. This statement is the basis for this custom of utilizing flowers and greenery.
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