Jewish traditions abound regarding Shavuot (Pentecost)
The weather has been somewhat cooler than Thursday. I would say in the mid 70’s to low 80’s rather than the 90 degree mark. A gentle breeze is also here, but alas, no rain.
Very quiet Shabbat. I love the contrast between the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem during the week and then the quietness that comes when Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday. All Jewish holidays and Shabbat start at sundown. It takes me two days to finish reading the Friday Jerusalem Post, so I napped and read and visited with Will.
I met with friends at Sakura Japanese Restaurant for my sushi fix after Shabbat. I had some of the best tempura that I have had in a long time. They use almonds in the tempura batter. The sushi was very fresh and the area, off Ben Yehuda, was really packed with people. Very lively. Another contrast between the Shabbat and the restarting of the week.
I am going to the Western Wall this evening to celebrate Shavuot (Pentecost). Jewish traditions abound regarding Shavuot: wearing white, eating sweet dairy, reading the book of Ruth, reading the Torah all night and making a pilgrimage to the Western Wall. Tradition also suggests that the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on this day.
Shavuot/Pentecost is the time that the Holy Spirit was sent to us to be our comforter. Acts 2:1 and 4, “The festival of Shavuot arrived and the believers all gathered in one place, they were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).” This is the Jewishness of our Christian roots.
Have a blessed Shavuot/Pentecost.
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June 8th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Dear Sandra, I just read your blog and I wish I were there in Israel with you. I have always wanted to go to Israel but have never been financially able. I pray that GOD will grant me the privilege in this life to go. Will you say a special prayer for me? I have always desired to walk where my Savior, Jesus my Lord walked and see all the places that GOD wrote in His Word…..AND, be baptized in the Jordan River.
I love to watch your program with you and Jeffrey. My husband and I watched Zola for years. When he passed it was as though a member of our family passed. I still watch Zola almost daily on the website and have learned so much from his ministry. GOD bless you and Jeffrey as you carry on the ministry.
Marie Presnell
June 8th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for keeping us informed each week. Thank you for also keeping us up to date on your visits to Israel, our home. You, Jeffrey, and the rest of the Zola Levitt Ministry team do such a wonderful job. I can really see the Lord at work in Zola Levitt Ministries. I will keep praying for you, Israel, and the peace of Jerusalem.
Shalom,
Kenneth Collins
June 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Dear Sandra,
I just came by for a visit and what do you know, you are in Israel. I am so jealous, just a little but thrilled for you. Zola’s ministry blessed so many, I am so glad to see it continue. Someday my husband and I would LOVE to see Israel with your group, I look forward to worshipping with you in Jerusalem in this world or the next. All my very best to you and your precious family. Shalom Shalom, Dixie
June 12th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Dearest Sandra,
What a blessing to know you are back in beautiful Israel again….I am praying for you and the group who will be with you, I know they will have a wonderful time.
It thrills my soul to realize that the Feast of Pentecost was fulfilled with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised He would send the comforter and to know it is the same
time of the festival of Shavuot when the Chosen People were given the the ten commandments and the torah and all the laws….what a spiritual blessing to realize we have freedom in the Spirit, the laws are written upon our hearts….Yes, the commandments we will keep upon our hearts always…..praise God we have a conscience to know right from wrong…..It was a life changing experience for me when I really understood in my heart the 7 Feasts of Israel, what a blessing to get acquainted with our Jewish roots….thank you Zola.
This time next week June 19th I will be undergoing an aorta valve replacement in my heart in Sacramento, CA….I have friends all over the world praying for me and prayers are greatly appreciated….I am fully in the hands of the Lord and asking His will be done…He has been so merciful to me in my 83 years of life…I love Him with all my heart.
God bless each one of you,
With my love and prayers,
Dortha