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SIVAN
Table of Contents
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Shavuot,
also called Hag ha-Kazir, the "Feast of Harvest,"
marked the end of the barley and beginning of the wheat harvest
in the Land of Israel. Many would also bring thanksgiving offerings
of the first fruits that had ripened on their trees, giving the
festival yet another name, Yom ha-Bikkurim, "Day of the
First Fruits".
The
Mishnah (Bikkurim) describes a colorful procession in
which farmers from small villages would gather in a large town
to go together to Jerusalem. "Arise, let us go up to Zion, to
the House of our God," the leader would announce as they set
out on their pilgrimage. When they neared Jerusalem, flutists
would greet them with music, and when they reached the Temple
court, the priests would welcome them with hymns and psalms.
With
Baskets on our Shoulders describes the procession to
Jerusalem.
Words: Levin-Kipnis / Music: Yedidyah Admon
Arranged and conducted by: Joshua
Jacobson / Sung by the
Zamir Chorale of Boston
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 With
baskets on our shoulders, with garland wreaths on our heads,
We come from all over the land bringing our first fruits.
From
Judea, From Samrea, from the Valley of Jezre'el, from the Galilee
We bring our produce - clear the way! Strike the drum and play the flute!
(Hebrew
verse)
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Levin
Kipnis (1894-1990) was a pioneer of children's literature in Hebrew;
legions of Israeli children (pre- and post-1948) were raised on
his numerous books and stories. He wrote for all the important Hebrew
childrens' magazines and his stories were translated widely in their
Yiddish counterparts. |
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Meanings
behind the Shavuot festival
First fruits:
An introduction |
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