The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (Shavuot)
occurs fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits. It celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and, for Christians, commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit onto Yeshua’s followers.
Preparation Timeline:
1. A few weeks before the Feast:
- Plan a special meal that incorporates dairy products and wheat, which are traditional for Shavuot. Some common foods include cheesecake, blintzes, and loaves of bread.
- Plan to read the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read during Shavuot, as its story takes place during the wheat harvest.
2. A few days before the Feast:
- Purchase fresh ingredients for your meal.
- Prepare any parts of the meal that can be made in advance.
3. Day of the Feast:
- Decorate your home with flowers and greenery to symbolize the harvest.
- Prepare your special meal.
During the Feast of Weeks:
This is a day of rest, and no work is to be done. Begin the day with prayer and reading scriptures related to the giving of the Torah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Meal Ideas and Recipes:
- Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set.
- Let it cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Challah Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and oil.
- Add the yeast mixture and the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each piece into a 12-inch long rope.
- Braid the ropes together and tuck the ends under.
- Let it rise for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cheese Blintzes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter for frying
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and salt.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and tilt the pan to spread the batter into a thin layer.
- Cook until the top is set, then flip and cook for a few seconds on the other side.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Mix the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla together for the filling.
- Spoon some of the filling onto each crepe and roll up.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey.
Engage in Bible study and discussion during this feast. Discuss the significance of the giving of the Torah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Stay tuned for our next post where we will guide you through the Fall Feasts starting with Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah).
