Differences Between Pentecost and the Jewish Feast of Weeks

Pentecost vs the Jewish Feast of Weeks

Every religious sector has their own way of expressing their faith. The Christians, the Muslims, and the Jews observe special holidays, festivities, or celebrations showing their love and sincerity towards the Mighty Creator. You probably have heard a lot about Pentecost while only a little about the Jewish Feast of Weeks. However, these two festivities are both the same. The more popular term “Pentecost” is also called the Jewish Feast of Weeks.

The Jewish Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is also known as Harvest, Shavuot, and the Day of Firstfruits. This festivity is held as a means of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest season. It also signifies the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian church. Pentecost is a joyful festivity which is celebrated 50 days after Passover. All Jewish males without disabilities are required to participate in the Pentecost. The Pentecost is Israel’s second major feast. The other major feasts of the Jews are the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles.

The story of the Pentecost is derived from the Holy Scriptures. Jesus had told his disciples 40 days before his ascension that they should go to Jerusalem since the Holy Spirit would come on a Jewish holiday. Jesus assured them that they would not be left abandoned. The disciples believed Jesus’ words and waited for the right moment to come. The 12 apostles, together with Jesus’ family, gathered in Jerusalem 10 days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Jesus’ apostles and family went to Jerusalem in order to participate in the Jewish harvest festival. While they were praying, tongues of fire descended and rested over their heads. This was the actions of the Holy Spirit, signifying that they could go out and proclaim the words of Jesus Christ. Since that day, they became Jesus’ advocates on preaching to the public about the gospel.

For this special festivity, red is considered as its liturgical color. The red color symbolizes the tongues of fire which descended from heaven. It also symbolizes the great deeds of several martyrs who shed their blood. Pentecost is also called the Jewish Feast of Weeks because it describes the time span of the harvest celebration which includes the grain harvest, barley harvest, and wheat harvest.

The children of Israel are also important on this occasion. In celebration of Pentecost, they are to bring two loaves of leavened bread to the temple. These loaves of leavened bread are used as wave offerings. They can only be eaten after the harvest ceremony is fully completed. The Jews also offer burnt animal offerings before the Lord. They can share and eat the meals with the poor people, and even the strangers.

Summary

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