Today is the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Supposedly the day in which the “Torah” was “given” to the people of Israel. According to the tradition, it was since passed between generations without changes, and its verdicts and commandments always kept… well, mostly.
So, ancient holidays like “Pesach” (Passover) and “Sukkot” have always been celebrated since, at least by some – right? Alas, that’s not what the Old Testament tells us.
2 Kings, Chapters 22-23: An ancient book is allegedly “found” in the Temple in Jerusalem. Reading it, the king and his advisors learn about the ancient holiday of “Pesach” and start celebrating it again: “Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;” (2 Kings 23:22) – which means roughly 500 years of not celebrating this holiday.
Nehemiah 8: The people who return from Babylonia read Ezra’s new book and realize they should celebrate the holiday of “Sukkot”: “And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.” (Nehemiah 8:17) – which means about 700 years of neglecting this holiday.
Things that make you wonder.