Shavuot

Tze’ela Gez’s mother-in-law, Naomi: 'Life is still beautiful'

'For me, life is very, very straight. Hashem is the king. We have to understand what that means deeply. It’s not just words.'

Hananel, Tze'ela and sons in happier times.
 The wedding of Yehuda and Hodaya, Inset bottom-right, fallen IDF sgt. Eliyahu Moshe Zimbalist.

Beyond the headlines: Carrying the light forward - opinion

 An illustrative image of an Israeli flag shattered like glass.

If we’re so smart, why are we so divided? Rethinking Jewish unity - opinion

 Happy anniversary (illustrative).

Grapevine: Ahad Ha’am is back


Counting Israel's modern heroes ahead of Shavuot

Counting, counting. For months we’ve been counting. How about counting heroes from Passover to Shavuot – not just biblical, but modern-day heroes?

 EDEN GOLAN represents Israel on stage at the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, on May 11, 2024.

Shavuot: The beauty of the Jewish Torah, agricultural holiday

There are several underlying principles to Shavuot, from agriculture to the Torah.

 A POSTER from the late 1940s depicting the Shavuot festival in Israel.

Why are blintzes trending in Israel? Exploring the delicacy's connection to Shavuot

Cheese blintzes, with their rich, creamy filling, perfectly embody the festive and indulgent spirit of Shavuot.

Cheese and fruit blintzes

Fighting against antisemitism effectively: Non-Jews should engage too - opinion

Every citizen should repudiate those who abuse free speech by harassing, threatening, intimidating, and trying to make Jews feel uncomfortable for being Jewish and pro-Israel.

 PROTESTERS GATHER at an encampment in support of Palestinians at McGill University’s campus in Montreal in April.

Finding purpose in cheesecake on Shavuot - opinion

As we once again accept the Torah, let us take it upon ourselves to find new ways to infuse holiness into our routines, to feel the presence and the relevance of the Torah in everything we do.

 CUSTOMERS SHOP in the dairy section of a supermarket ahead of Shavuot. The Torah calls on us to find holiness in our every action – our meals, our work, our everyday interactions with others, and beyond, says the writer.

The history and evolving tradition of Shavuot - opinion

Shavuot’s journey from an agricultural celebration to commemorating the Giving of the Torah, and its eventual return to an agricultural focus, underscores the adaptability of Jewish tradition.

 READING FROM the Torah in synagogue: Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments. These commandments, like the Torah, offer stories, insights, values and actions as ways in to God

Praying for safety, security, return of hostages, and IDF soldiers this Shavuot - opinion

The victory picture that we can all pray for on this holiday is of farmers on our borders harvesting their fields without the threat of incoming rocket fire.

 SHAVUOT IS the ultimate Israeli holiday that allows us to celebrate our connection to the land and salute the wonder of how hard work combined with God’s hand makes the fields flourish and produces sustenance and beauty, says the writer.

From the falling skies on Simchat Torah to the return of hostages for Shavuot - opinion

May we begin to rise from our mourning on Shavuot, and merit seeing the return of the hostages, the recovery of the wounded, and the end of the war. 

 Homes are destroyed, following the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel November 2, 2023

Euro Dairies launch new cheese varieties for Shavuot: Don’t miss out!

Euro Dairies has introduced an array of new cheeses for Shavuot, including high-protein soft mozzarella.


Photos take us back to Shavuot celebrations in the Holy Land, 91 years ago

This Shavuot archive reveals pictures from the first Bikkurim celebrations held in Haifa in 1932, symbolizing the connection between urban areas and rural settlements.

 Ultra-Orthodox kids march during Shavuot celebrations in Mea She'arim, Jerusalem, June 9, 2024