Summer Harvest

Introduction:

In ancient times, Jewish farmers, following the laws of the Torah (Deuteronomy 26: 1-12), checked their fields and orchards prior to Shavuot for the very first growing fruit. According to Rashi, this was done to all plants of the seven species listed in the Torah as being special to the Land of Israel--wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. When the farmers found the first fruit of a species beginning to grow, they tied a string around it to mark it. After it ripened, the farmers put this first fruit and all of the other first fruits that grew on their properties into a special basket that they brought to the Kohein (priest) in the Beit Hamikdash (temple) on Shavuot.

Shavuot is one of the three major festivals where farmers walked their offerings to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Shavuot, Sukkot, and Pesach became known as "foot" festivals.

Materials:

• Fruit - pictures, felt, or plastic
• Fruit - variety of fruits to taste

Directions:

• Have children identify as many types of fruit as possible. Lay out an assortment of fruits for them to choose to place in a basket and then "walk to Jerusalem."
   
• Brings a variety of summer fruits to taste and compare.