More than ice cream and blintzes

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

Seven weeks after Passover ends, it’s time to celebrate Shavuot. This holiday marks the biblical story of receiving the 10 Commandments and the Torah at Mt. Sinai. While many families don’t regularly celebrate Shavuot, it’s a holiday that’s totally made for kids — a perfect excuse for sleepovers, flower picking, ice cream socials and lots of other fun activities.

Although Shavuot was originally a harvest holiday, today people celebrate the day by studying the Torah, staying up all night, crafting paper cutouts, eating local foods and, of course, indulging in cheesecake, ice cream and blintzes.

The tie-in to the Torah and 10 Commandments also make Shavuot a perfect opportunity to reinforce many of the values that parents are already imparting to their children: telling the truth, honoring others and sharing.

In addition, it is traditional on Shavuot to read the “Book of Ruth.” There are many reasons given by different scholars about why to read this particular story on this particular holiday. The major themes in the “Book of Ruth,” giving, kindness and selflessness, coincide with the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people on Shavuot.

While you're enjoying blintzes and ice cream on Shavuot, take time to read a story about friendship or kindness with your kiddos.

Here are some book lists to get you started:

• A Hat for Mrs Goldman written by Michelle Edwards and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

• The Forever Garden written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

• Mrs. Katz and Tush written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco

Written by Michelle Edwards; Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Written by Laurel Snyder; Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco