Understanding Shavuot: From Jewish Feast to Christian Pentecost

What do ice cream parties, the ten commandments and speaking in tongues have in common? SHAVUOT! Known to the Christian community as Pentecost. You know. The event recorded in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples with flames of fire and they spoke in tongues.

Pentecost didn’t start out as a Christian holiday

It might surprise you to know that it wasn’t Christians who started Pentecost. Christians weren’t even there. In fact, Christianity didn’t exist at that time. That would come later. Also, I don’t believe Peter was serving ice cream sundae’s at the post-resurrection festival event either. But I’ll get to that in bit. First we’ll take a look at it in scriptures. Let’s talk OT.

The Lord’s Appointed Times

I would venture to say that most Christians who have read the account in Acts chapter 2, which records the day the Holy Spirit empowered the group gathered in the upper room, aren’t aware that what the disciples were observing was one of three moedi Yehovah (appointed feasts of the Lord).

Leviticus 23:2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

A Bit of History

The word Pentecost¹ used in the New Testament comes from a Greek word referring to the appointed feast of the Jews that comes fifty days after the Passover. The Torah (aka the Pentateuch² – first five books of the Bible) refers to this event as the Feast of Weeks.

Shavuot on the other hand means “weeks” in Hebrew. It is celebrated the day after seven complete weeks after the Passover, on the 6th of Sivan (and 7th in the Diaspora), typically falling in May or June.

The Giving of Torah to Moses Came First

Shavuot marks the anniversary of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai and commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites. Biblically it was observed as an agricultural festival celebrating the wheat harvest and first fruits, It is one of the three Pilgrimage Festivals, along with Passover and Sukkot (Feast of Booths or Tabernacles).

Relevant Scriptures

Not A Christian Among Them

In light of this I think we understand that there would not have been even one Christian among the post resurrection group that remained followers of Jesus. Not one of those present when Jesus told them to wait in the city until they received power were Christians. There wasn’t one Christian in the upper room along with the eleven waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. In fact, Christianity at that time didn’t even exist. You might be asking what this has to do with ice cream parties. Don’t worry, we’ll get there.

We learned above that the original event that occurred fifty days after the very first Passover was when God met with the people of Israel at Sinai. After they entered the promised land they were commanded by God to bring an offering and present themselves before the Lord each year. At Shavuot they brought the first fruits of the wheat harvest.

NT Pentecost

After His resurrection of Jesus met with His disciples for forty days. At the time of His ascension He told His disciples to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father. Jesus ascended just ten days short of Shavuot. Being Hebrews I believe the disciples understood the significance of the coming event. They had been observing Shavuot their whole lives. They fully understood that the event was in remembrance of the visitation of God at Sinai.

It’s we Christians who typically lack the knowledge of biblical history and don’t make the connection. I remember when I read Acts 1 and 2 for the first time I had no clue that Jesus had become the Passover Lamb. I only understood that He died for my sins. It wasn’t until many years later that when I learned the about the Feasts of the Lord that I began to put the pieces together. When I learned that Passover and Shavuot were connected by the counting of the omer³ it shed a new light on the significance of Jesus remaining with the disciples during that time.

Let’s Have a Read

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.  Acts 1:1–3 (NLT)

During the days that link Pentecost with Passover, Jesus spent time talking to His disciples about the kingdom of God. When Jesus said that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now, I think they had an inkling that Jesus was pointing them to Shavuot, the day when God descended in fire and met with His people. They had heard the story of Moses and their ancestors at Sinai their whole lives. I think they knew something special was coming, even though they might not have known exactly what that might be. How could they not know something was up. If there as one thing they learned over the preceding three years was that something was always up when Jesus was on the scene.

Let’s Keep Reading the Account from Acts 1

Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8 NASB

The men and women who would gather to in that legendary upper room were Hebrews. Let’s hear how the account sounds read from the Complete Jewish Bible.

At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to “wait for what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!” When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!” Acts 1:4-8 CJB

Now, let’s take this to another level. Here’s the same account translated by the Orthodox Jewish Bible⁴ This might be more of how that original Hebrew group would have relayed the event.

And, while gathering them at a yechidus⁵, Moshiach gave instructions to them not to depart from Yerushalayim, but to wait for the havtachah (promise) of [Elohim] HaAv which he said, “You heard of from Me. [TEHILLIM 27:14] ⁵ “For Yochanan gave a tevilah⁶ of teshuva⁷ with a mikveh⁸ mayim⁹, but you will receive a tevilah in the Ruach Hakodesh not many yamim¹⁰ from now.” [YOEL 3:1;(2:28)] ⁶ And at yechidus, having come together, they were asking him saying, “Adoneinu, is it at this time that You are restoring the Malchut Hashem¹¹ to Am Yisroel?” ⁷ But he said to them, “It is not for you to have da’as¹² of the itim (times) or moadim (seasons) which [Elohim] HaAv has set by His own samchut (authority). [Dt 29:29; Ps 107:13] ⁸ “But you will receive ko’ach¹³ when the Ruach Hakodesh¹⁴ has come upon you, and you all will be the Eidus (the Witness) of me, in Yerushalayim, and in all Yehudah, and Shomron and as far as ad ketzeh ha’aretz¹⁵.” Acts 1:4-8 OJB

Our Hebrew Roots

Recognizing our Hebraic roots is important when it comes to fully understanding our Lord and Savior. [read Romans 11] We cannot fully understand the New Testament without a working knowledge of the Old Testament.

Shavuot From a Hebrew Perspective

The biblical account of the fire at Mount Sinai unveils a stunning and awe-inspiring spectacle that ignites the imagination. When God descended upon Mount Sinai, the mountain exploded into a breathtaking display of fire, smoke, and enveloping darkness. This divine manifestation was accompanied by the earth-shaking roar of thunder, dazzling flashes of lightning, and a trumpet blast that reverberated with increasing intensity. The fire soared majestically into the sky, burning with fervor for an extraordinary span of time, perhaps 40 to 80 days! This miraculous event was witnessed by the Israelites, who stood ready for this momentous divine encounter. The fire radiated as the essence of God’s presence, with some texts revealing that God spoke from within the flames. In this powerful biblical narrative, the fire at Sinai emerges as a pivotal moment of divine revelation, where Moses received the sacred Ten Commandments amidst an atmosphere charged with holiness.

Peter, James, John and the others would have heard the account relayed by their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers. Each generation passed the story onto the next of the miraculous and glorious event when God separated the Israelites out from among the nations and made them a holy people unto Himself.

Pentecost for the Hebrew Disciples

The signs accompanying the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost, specifically a sound resembling a violent wind and tongues of fire symbolize God’s presence and the Spirit’s power are more than just a little similar to the accompanying of God’s presence at Sinai.

Exodus 19:16–19 (GW)

On the morning of the second day, there was thunder and lightning with a heavy cloud over the mountain, and a very loud blast from a ram’s horn ⸤was heard⸥. All the people in the camp shook with fear. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had come down on it in fire. Smoke rose from the mountain like the smoke from a kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. As the sound of the horn grew louder and louder, Moses was speaking, and the voice of God answered him. 

Acts 2:1–4 (NASB)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.

The Jewish Tradition of observing Shavuot has evolved over the years

Time for a Good Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social

In modern times, on Shavuot, Jews joyfully indulge in the creamy delight of ice cream and a variety of dairy dishes, a heartwarming tradition that honors the profound moment when the Torah was given at Mount Sinai.

The Torah, often likened to the richness of milk and honey, embodies the sweetness and spiritual fulfillment that nourish our souls.

Today, the celebration with irresistible dairy delights, like creamy ice cream, has blossomed into a tradition gleaming with the joyous spirit of receiving the Torah and the beloved festive meals that unite families in the warmth of this extraordinary celebration.

Shavuot is marked by various customs, including the study of Torah and the enjoyment of dairy foods.

Studying Torah

1. All-Night Study (Tikkun Leil Shavuot): One of the most prominent traditions on Shavuot is the practice of staying up all night to study Torah. This centuries old custom, known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot, symbolizes the anticipation and readiness of the Israelites to receive the Torah at Sinai. Communities often gather in synagogues or homes to engage in learning sessions that focus on various texts, including the Torah. The all-night study session is a symbol of alertness and dedication to receiving the Torah anew each year.
2. Themes of the Torah: The study during Shavuot often emphasizes themes related to the Torah and its teachings. This could include discussions on the Ten Commandments, ethical teachings, and laws that guide daily life. It is also common to explore the themes of gratitude and commitment to following God’s commandments.
3. Reading the Book of Ruth: Another tradition is the public reading of the Book of Ruth, as Ruth’s acceptance of Judaism represents the idea of converting to a holy path, which aligns with the commitment to the Torah received at Sinai.

Dairy Foods

1. Symbolism of Dairy: The tradition of consuming dairy on Shavuot has several interpretations. One explanation is that the Torah is compared to milk and honey in the Bible, representing the sweetness and nourishment of spiritual knowledge. Just as dairy sustains the body, the Torah sustains the soul. And of course the sweetness of ice cream combines milk and honey into a delightful confection.
2. Celebration with Delicacies: Common dairy foods enjoyed during Shavuot include cheese blintzes, cheesecake, and any form of milk-based dishes. These foods not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also serve as a representation of joy and abundance that comes from receiving the Torah.

How Can We Prepare Our Hearts Today?

As much as I love the idea of eating ice cream and cheesecake I don’t think it’s going to benefit my spiritual life very much. It won’t help with my ongoing battle with diabetes either. As we approach Shavuot I much prefer to bring my offering of worship to the Lord and seek His face for a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit in my life. For me, I use this time to check the status of the altar of my heart.

Talk About God and He Shows Up

Rehearsing and thanking God for past encounters with Him is where I start. I like to remember the times when God met with me and gave much needed insight. I bring to mind and recount out loud the times Holy Spirit showed up in powerful and miraculous ways. Remembering what God has done in the past and recounting those testimonies permeates the air charging it hope as fresh faith is released. Holy Spirit shows up!

Wait on God

As we approach Shavuot, take some time to eagerly await upon the Lord with the expectation of a fresh impartation like the disciples, filled with hope and excitement for the abundance that is coming your way!

And By All Means Have Fun!

Okay, an ice cream social might be a great idea. Invite some people over for a Holy Ghost Shavuot ice cream party. Bring your bibles, your laughter and your praise! Take time to hang out. Open up and share your experiences with Holy Spirit with each other.

Enjoy the time together. It doesn’t have to be uber-religious. Sometimes, the less formal the better. Let Holy Spirit set the tone. God will lead if we let Him. One thing I know about gathering together with other believers. When we talk about God and delight in Him, He likes to show up for the party. ENJOY!

1. literally, fiftieth day ↩︎
2. Pentateuch means simply “five books” ↩︎
3. Couting of the omer – see Leviticus 23:15-16 ↩︎
4. Orthodox Jewish Bible is an English language version that applies Yiddish and Hasidic cultural expressions to the Messianic Bible ↩︎
5. yechidus is a private meeting ↩︎
6. tevilah is an immerision ↩︎
7. teshuva is return or repentence ↩︎
8. mikveh is a ritual bath ↩︎
9. mayim is water ↩︎
10. yamim is days ↩︎
11. Malchut Hashem refers to kingdom of God (Hashem means The Name and references God) ↩︎
12. da’as (sometimes pronounced da’at) is knowledge, discernment, understanding ↩︎
13. ko’ac means power, strength, might ↩︎
14. Ruach Hakodesh means Holy Spirit ↩︎
15. ketzeh ha’aretz means the end of the earth ↩︎