Shavuot - 6-7 Sivan

Confronting Poverty Initiative

Jewish Council for Public Affairs

The holiday of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) celebrates the harvest in Israel and also is known as Yom haBikkurim (Day of First Fruits). The holiday reminds us to provide a portion of our gatherings to the poor – as does National Hunger Awareness Day, which was created to focus attention on hunger in America. In 2004, more than 36 million Americans faced food insecurity. The "Confronting Poverty Initiative" of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs provides important information and suggestions for action.

Shavuot: The Little Jewish Holiday Worth Celebrating

By COREY PODELL

Shavuot might not be as well known as some of the other major Jewish holidays, but it is nonetheless an important chag, contends Corey Podell, especially from a social action point of view. During Shavuot, writes Podell, Jews should celebrate by reaching out to strangers, donating food to pantries, and becoming more aware of our fragile environment.

In Giving, We Receive

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

In the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth said, “Today I helped Boaz”. Wasn’t it the other way around?

Parashat Naso and Disabilities

By RABBI BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON

The weekly Torah portion preceding Shavuot, parashat Naso, addresses the issue of dealing with individuals with physical disabilities. Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson provides an insightful commentary. Yesodot ("Foundations") builds Jewish community foundations for people with disabilities by strengthening and empowering them and their families and by developing connections within and without the Jewish community.

Standing Together: A Social Justice Guide for Shavuot

Produced by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

This guide focuses on four issues connected with Shavuot: economic justice, the environment, world Jewry and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) issues and advocacy.