Celebrate Shavuot by Pretending You're on a Kibbutz

Shalom Yeladim:

Getting ready for Shavuot? Learning about it in school? Then I'm sure you know that one of the names this holiday has is חג הביכורים -- holiday of the first fruits.

When the State of Israel came into being, Shavuot quickly became the favorite kibbutz holiday. Back then, kibbutzim -- collective agricultural communities -- were the source of Israel's luscious fruits and vegetables. Even though times have changed, Shavuot is still a special agricultural celebration on the kibbutz. Girls continue the tradition of wearing crowns made out of flowers (floral garlands). Here's an example. Look at it carefully and see if you can make one just like it.

Special decorations are created to remind everyone of farming life. And there's dancing...kibbutz style!

The celebration starts with a parade. What do I mean? Watch this. Every possible farming job on the kibbutz is represented. Am I giving you ideas on how make this year's Shavuot celebration a little bit different? Hope so.

I'll leave you with a YouTube clip of the Givatron -- my favorite kibbutz choir. They sing several songs, so get ready and have a חג שמח.

Fruits Photo Credit
Garland Photo Credit
Kibbutz dance photo credit

How Do We Celebrate Shavuot in Israel?

Shalom Girls & Boys:

I have to be quick because Shabbat is about an hour away and right when Shabbat ends, Shavuot begins. Which is why I'm buzzing by. I want you to see how we celebrate Shavuot in Israel and I just found this wonderful "photo album." It has pictures of every which way we celebrate -- from Samaritans on Mount Girizim, to Hassidim harvesting wheat, to children on a kibbutz.

What do we eat? All kinds of dairy dishes.

I'd love to chat, but I've got to fly. Hope that doesn't cheese you off.

Cheers...I mean cheese!
Have a Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach...Zvuvi

Purim Spaghetti Western Made in Israel

Shalom Boys & Girls:

Before I start working on my Purim costume I'm going to sit in my Director's seat and watch a new animated Purim clip that's Made in Israel.  It's a spaghetti western starring Mordechai, Haman and Achashverosh. Hey, wait a minute. That ties in with the Purim custom post you received last week. I get a feeling I know what I'm going to dress up as. But back to the clip. There are no subtitles, but there are two versions: Hebrew and English. Enjoy both and have a Happy Purim.