Symbolic offerings of Israel’s farm products were carried by children in towns and settlements yesterday in “First Fruit” ceremonies reminiscent of the Shavuot ritual during the period of the Temple in ancient Jerusalem. Shavuot, which began after dusk last night, is celebrated for one day in Israel and for two days by traditional Jews outside of Israel.
In one of the three pilgrimage festivals of the holiday, thousands came from various parts of Israel to Jerusalem for a visit to Mount Zion. Some 4, 000 kindergarten children took part in a “bikkurim” (first fruits) ceremony in the courtyard of the Jewish National Fund building here.
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