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Chag HaShevuot, Love Stories(Article)
Two love stories dominate the scene during the Shavuot holiday. God and the people of Israel make a pact of eternal love, wherein the “wedding ring” is a commitment to observe and transmit the Torah. In celebration of this alliance, each year the people make a gift of their bikurim to God on the day of its commemoration. On the other hand, the story of Ruth teaches us that a commitment to good actions is the ideal environment in which to enter into a solid and enduring relationship. For this reason, perhaps, this festivity is not only Chag Hashavuot, the Feast of Weeks, but also Chag HaShevuot, the Feast of Promises, of commitments.
By Guido Cohen