On Sunday afternoon in Boulder, Colorado, an attack targeting a group rallying in solidarity for Israeli hostages in Gaza left twelve individuals injured. The incident, described by the FBI as a “targeted terror attack,” occurred just before the commencement of Shavuot, a significant Jewish festival.
Shavuot, derived from the Hebrew word for “weeks,” is an ancient festival, with its observance dating back to biblical times. It commemorates the counting of seven weeks, or 49 days, from Passover, culminating in Shavuot on the 50th day. Originally, it was an agricultural celebration where Israelites presented harvest offerings at the temple.
In contemporary times, Shavuot acknowledges the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, as mentioned in the Bible, and this historical and spiritual significance makes it a deeply revered occasion. The duration of 50 days leads to its Greek designation, Pentecost, which also features in the Christian liturgical calendar.
The festival is observed on the 6th of Sivan, according to the Jewish calendar, where days begin at sundown. This year, Shavuot commenced on Sunday evening and extends for one or two days based on different traditions. Inside Israel and for Reform Jews, the observance is for one day, whereas other Jewish communities celebrate for two days. The variability arises from historical practices of lunar calendar observation which were originally conducted in ancient Israel.
Shavuot usually takes place in May or June on the Gregorian calendar. The festival is marked by readings from the biblical book of Exodus, including the Ten Commandments, with some attendees engaging in all-night Torah study sessions. During Shavuot, observant Jews refrain from work. The book of Ruth, which narrates the story of a woman embracing Judaism, is often read and explored.
Moreover, dairy products, like cheesecake and cheese-filled blintzes, feature prominently in Shavuot customs. Various reasons explain this tradition, one being a symbolic comparison of the Torah to nourishing milk for the spirit. For Reform Jews, Shavuot has been associated with the rite of confirmation, a time when teenagers affirm their dedication to Jewish life.
Sadly, festive celebrations have, on occasion, been overshadowed by unfortunate incidents. For instance, the recent attack in Boulder was reminiscent of past tragic events, such as the assault by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, during Simchat Torah, another joyous Jewish festival. This attack took roughly 1,200 lives.
Sunday’s event in Boulder aimed to highlight the plight of 58 hostages believed to remain captive by Hamas, with about a third presumed to be alive. Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Wilhelm from the Rohr Chabad House at the University of Colorado in Boulder urged individuals to celebrate Shavuot while remembering those affected by such tragedies.
They encouraged everyone to defy the hate symbolized by the attack by embracing the joy of Shavuot, attending the reading of the Ten Commandments, and reaffirming their commitment to cherished Jewish heritage and traditions.