Wishing all our readers Chag Shavuot Sameach!
Happy Shavuot - חג השבועות שמח
Blessings for Medinat Israel and all people around the worldSource: Tourist Israel
Shavuot in Israel is a period with loads of amazing events. Music festivals, events for the kids, exhibitions, and much, much more, are part of what happens each year for Shavuot in Israel. Celebrated in Israel for one day, usually in late May or early June, Shavuot’s timing, when the weather is great but not too hot, has made it a favored time for outdoor events, and across the country. In 2012, Shavuot will fall from sundown on May 26 to sundown on May 27.
Shavuot in Israel: Customs
Shavuot is the festival of the harvest by Beny Shlevich, on Flickr
Shavuot is more limited in its customs than most other Jewish festivals, however, as time has passed, a number of noticeable traditions have been established. The most visible of these is the eating of dairy foods, and you’ll notice that at the time of Shavuot, bakeries in Israel will be selling a lot of cheesecake. Other customs for Shavuot are less visible, but in some agricultural settlements in Israel (kibbutzim and moshavim) parades and special ceremonies to show off the fruits produced in their fields, in accordance with the nature of Shavuot as a harvest festival.
Shavuot Events in Israel
Abu Gosh Festival
Twice annual music festival held in the village of Abu Gosh, just outside Jerusalem, the Abu Gosh Vocal Music Festival is considered by some Israel’s number one vocal music event.
Shavuot in Tel Aviv, on a farm
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27, between 9.30am and 2.40pm a variety of family activities will take place in Tel Aviv. Figures from the Book of Ruth will share the story of Shavuot with visitors, whilst a number of activities, dancing workshops, and ceremonies will take place. The events take place in the center of town and are called ‘Shavuot on a Farm in Tel Aviv’
Indigo Festival
The Indigo Festival is an annual psychedelic & world music festival which takes place in the Galilee. The festival will attract artists from Israel and overseas, and takes place across the weekend.
Kibbutz Shavuot Parades
Kibbutz Shavuot Parades such as this xor74, on Flickr
Kibbutzim and moshavim across Israel will hold Shavuot parades which are open to the public. Sometimes these are complemented with family events and activities. The parades usually include the agricultural machinery of the community showcasing the latest harvest this season has brought.
HaiFolk Festival
Haifa festival dedicated to indie music. The festival will take place on the May 26 in the urban setting of four bars and pubs in Downtown Haifa, all of which are within 2-3 minutes walking distance of each other. Most of the concerts will be in English, some in Hebrew but all will be absolutely excellent. www.haifolk.com
We Love Israel: Milk and Honey Festival
Across the Jezreel Valley, events will take place throughout Shavuot, featuring a wide range of cultural and arts events. Full details, in Hebrew www.emekyizrael.org.il
