Our story this week was about a Festival of Weeks. This is not something that we hear a lot about, but in looking closely, it resembles our Thanksgiving. The Israelites are instructed to celebrate with everyone. Their families, their servants, anyone who lives in their city, and immigrants among them, they were to remember the widows and orphans. Both the poor and the marginalized were included in this celebration and were allowed to enjoy and partake in the blessings of the land.

Today the festival is filled with prayers and thanksgiving to God for fruitfulness. Many people stayed up all night studying the Torah. The Book of Ruth is read during Shavuot. The story of Ruth reminds God’s people of Ruth’s sacrifices which were rewarded by God’s steadfast mercy and love. The words are familiar: “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” The primary purpose of this festival was for people to show gratitude for all they have.

This week, the kids enjoyed painting watering cans and next week we will fill them with painted flowers. This weather has taken a toll on our flowers, so we are painting wooden ones! See you Sunday.

Blessings