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Shavuot: Early Summer Festival

Shavuot Image: www.officeholidays.com
NEWS / 19 May 2017

Mrs Walsh explains the significance of Shavuot, this two-day early-summer festival.

This 2-day early-summer festival on the 31st May and 1st June has several names and significances.  Its first name, Shavuot, translates as ‘weeks’, and refers to the command to count 7 full weeks between the beginning of Passover and the arrival of the Israelites at Mount Sinai.  The first day’s celebration on the 50th day of counting gives the second name, Pentecost. The 3rd name of the festival is ‘The Time of the Giving of the Torah’, commemorating the Revelation at Sinai, and the 4th is ‘Harvest Festival’, when offerings of First Fruits were brought to the Temple.

Observances of Shavuot include the reading of the Ten Commandments during the synagogue service; decorating the synagogue with flowers to recall that bare Mt. Sinai burst into flower when G-d’s Presence was there; reading the Book of Ruth, whose events take place during this season; and eating dairy products to remind us that the Torah is compared to milk and honey, i.e. that like those rich foods, G-d’s teachings are nourishing for body and soul.
Mrs. Walsh

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Appointment of Delia Donohoe to Permanent Deputy Principal

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Delia Donohoe has been appointed as Permanent Deputy Principal of Stratford College, following her tenure as Acting Deputy Principal since August 2023. This milestone marks her 21st year as a dedicated member of the Stratford community, where she has made a lasting contribution both in the classroom and in leadership.

Speaking about her appointment Chair of the Board of Management Ms. Aoife Cassidy said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Delia as Deputy Principal; she has been a leader and teacher at Stratford College for more than 20 years. During this time, she has served in an acting capacity as Deputy Principal, including over the last three years. She has strong leadership skills and an unwavering commitment and dedication to our school community. We have every confidence that she will continue to lead with the same energy, warmth and dedication in the years ahead. We are delighted to formally confirm Delia’s appointment and wish her every success in the role going forward.


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