Historical Background
In biblical times, Shavuot was closely tied to the agricultural year. It came as the grain harvest was reaching an important point. The festival gave Israel an opportunity to recognize that the harvest was a gift from God.
During the Temple period, Shavuot was one of the occasions when pilgrims came to Jerusalem. Firstfruits and other offerings were brought to the Temple.
Over time, another meaning became attached to the festival. Jewish teachers connected the date of Shavuot with the events at Mount Sinai. Exodus tells us that the Israelites reached the wilderness of Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt. Jewish tradition came to identify Shavuot with the giving of the Torah.
This connection became especially important after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70. The agricultural offerings could no longer be brought to Jerusalem. Celebration of the Torah gave the festival a powerful focus that did not depend upon the Temple.
Today, the giving of the Torah is one of the best-known meanings of Shavuot.