Shavuot historically involved the ancient practice of offering bikkurim, or first fruit as part of a public celebration. The Torah describes in detail how the obligation is fulfilled. Our lives have changed from those in the Israelite’s agricultural society. Judaism has also evolved from a central theme of Temple offerings. The holiday of Shavuot has developed more into a celebration about receiving the Torah. There are, however, many lessons for us to learn from the practice of Hag HaBikkurim.

A new museum commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising will be opening this month in Poland. The Museum of the History of Polish Jews will chronicle the 1000-year history of Polish Jews. This event will coincide with the 70^th anniversary of the uprising.

As Passover quickly approaches, I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday. My daughter Sara is studying abroad this college semester and she will be missed dearly at our Seder. The excitement builds as we prepare for the holiday. It is more than just spring-cleaning as we methodically remove all traces of chametz in our house. Our kitchen is transformed as we replace all of the cooking and eating utensils with the kosher for Pesach set that has been in storage all year.  I love all the different recipes we use during the holiday. I never get tired of eating matzah. I appreciate the change in our daily life even though it is for a short time. My tefillin will get an extra kiss after the holiday since I will have missed wearing them. Our lives are so structured that the Jewish holidays allow us to pause and be thankful for our precious freedoms.