By Gila Stern
Herut Member
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, stands as a profound moment in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the harvest of the first fruits in the Land of Israel. It is a holiday of covenant, connection, and commitment—a time when the Jewish people reaffirm their bond with God, their heritage, and the land promised to their ancestors. In its essence, Shavuot is a celebration of identity and purpose, themes that resonate deeply with the mission of Herut North America, an organization dedicated to unapologetic Zionism. By weaving together the spiritual and historical significance of Shavuot with Herut’s bold vision, we uncover a powerful narrative of resilience, unity, and unwavering dedication to the Jewish homeland.
The Covenant of Sinai and the Zionist Dream
At the heart of Shavuot lies the moment when the Jewish people stood at Sinai, accepting the Torah as a divine blueprint for living as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). This covenant was not merely a spiritual contract but a national one, binding the Israelites to their destiny in the Land of Israel. The Torah, given amidst thunder and awe, was a call to action—to build a society rooted in justice, faith, and connection to Eretz Yisrael. As the American Zionist Movement notes, Shavuot’s agricultural roots, tied to the offering of first fruits, underscore this inseparable link to the land, a reminder of the Jewish people’s role as stewards of their ancestral home.
Herut North America embodies this covenantal spirit in the modern era. Founded on the principles of Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s Revisionist Zionism, Herut champions the Jewish people’s inalienable right to the Land of Israel without apology or compromise. Just as the Israelites at Sinai embraced their mission with clarity, Herut calls on Jews today to stand tall as unapologetic Zionists, rejecting narratives that seek to delegitimize Israel’s existence. In a world where antisemitism and anti-Zionism often intertwine, Herut’s commitment to educating Jewish youth, supporting Aliyah, and fostering Jewish unity echoes the Torah’s call to be a light unto the nations.
Shavuot’s Call to Courage
Shavuot is not a passive holiday; it demands active engagement. The tradition of staying up all night to study Torah, known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot, reflects the Jewish people’s eagerness to internalize their covenant. This act of intellectual and spiritual vigilance mirrors the courage required to defend Jewish identity and sovereignty in today’s world. In ancient times, bringing the first fruits to the Temple was a bold declaration of gratitude and a sign of belonging to the land. Today, Herut North America channels this same courage by organizing events that empower Jewish students to confront anti-Israel sentiment on campuses and in their communities.
Consider the story of Ruth, read on Shavuot, which illustrates the power of unwavering commitment. Ruth, a Moabite, chose to join the Jewish people, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Her journey to Bethlehem, the heart of the Land of Israel, reflects the Zionist ideal of returning to and thriving in the homeland. Herut’s work—helping olim like Sarah Martynov navigate the complexities of Aliyah—embodies Ruth’s spirit, ensuring that every Jew who yearns for Israel can claim their place there. By facilitating Aliyah and fostering Zionist education, Herut transforms Ruth’s personal covenant into a collective mission for the Jewish future.
Unapologetic Zionism in a Fractured World
In a time when Jewish identity faces challenges from both within and without, Shavuot’s message of unity and purpose is more vital than ever. The holiday’s dual focus on Torah and land reminds us that Jewishness is not just a religion or culture but a national identity rooted in Eretz Yisrael. Yet, as Andrés Spokoiny writes, Shavuot’s celebration of the land feels incomplete in exile, where the rhythms of Jewish holidays clash with foreign seasons. This dissonance fueled early Zionists, who saw in Shavuot a call to return home and rebuild.
Herut North America answers this call with fierce clarity. Its unapologetic Zionism rejects the “Zionism-lite” critiqued by scholars like Gil Troy, which tolerates Israel only when it conforms to external expectations. Instead, Herut embraces Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, regardless of political pressures. Through initiatives like campus workshops and pro-Israel advocacy, Herut empowers young Jews to resist the “good Jew test” described by activist Ysabella Hazan, which demands renunciation of Zionism to gain acceptance. By fostering pride in Jewish identity and history, Herut ensures that the next generation carries the torch of Sinai’s covenant with confidence.
A Harvest of Hope
Shavuot’s agricultural roots remind us that growth requires cultivation and nurturing. The first fruits offered in the Temple were the result of labor, faith, and trust in the land’s bounty. Similarly, Herut North America plants seed for a vibrant Jewish future, nurturing Zionist leaders who will defend Israel’s sovereignty and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide. Its success, as seen in the enthusiastic response to its May 2024 kick-off event, proves that unapologetic Zionism resonates deeply at a time when Jewish pride is under siege.
As we celebrate Shavuot in 2025, let us draw inspiration from Herut’s mission. Just as the Jewish people stood united at Sinai, accepting the Torah as their guide, we must stand united in defense of our homeland. Let us stay up all night, not only studying Torah but also strategizing how to counter anti-Zionist narratives. Let us bring our first fruits—our passion, our voices, our courage—to the altar of Jewish destiny, proclaiming our unbreakable bond with Israel.
A Renewed Covenant
Shavuot is a time to renew our covenant with God, with each other, and with the Land of Israel. Herut North America invites us to embrace this renewal with unapologetic zeal, to see Zionism not as a political stance but as an extension of the Torah’s eternal promise. As we eat dairy foods, read Ruth, and hear the Ten Commandments, let us also commit to building a future where every Jew can stand tall and secure in their identity and their homeland.
In the spirit of Shavuot, let us be unapologetically Zionist—not out of defiance, but out of love. Love for our people, our faith, and the land that has sustained us through millennia. With Herut’s vision as our guide, we can transform today’s harvest into a legacy of strength, unity, and hope for generations to come. Chag Shavuot Sameach!
