For us, the distance from home is not a reason to give up on tradition - it is an invitation to infuse it with new meaning. Shavuot is a holiday of first fruits (Bikkurim), of the giving of the Torah, and of wandering, and there is no more suitable place to celebrate it than here, in the midst of all our journeys.
Ahead of the holiday eve, we worked at the house and wrote for you a special Shavuot Haggadah. This version was born from thoughts of the backpackers, the travelers, and the Israeli and Jewish community that gathers here, far from their physical home, but so close in heart.
What awaits you in the Puerto Viejo Haggadah?
The Haggadah is structured in the format of a festive and interactive “Seder”, allowing everyone sitting around the table to take an active part in the reading and discussion:
- Kadesh (Lighting candles and Kiddush): Opening the evening with thoughts on sanctifying time and building a “house of light and moments of togetherness” inspired by Abraham Joshua Heschel, alongside the holiday blessings and the traditional Kiddush.
- Bikkurim and Gratitude: Connecting the biblical holiday of Bikkurim to the abundance and growth that surround us in Costa Rica. This part includes the nostalgic words of “Salinu Al Ktefeinu” and an inspiring poetic song by Leah Goldberg, inviting everyone to share their personal “first fruits and travel insights.”
- Book of Ruth (Journey, Community, and Kindness): The most “backpacker” story in the Bible, divided into four short reading segments. A story about migration, wandering, and a faithful choice of community and a social safety net, which takes on poignant meaning far from home.
- Giving of the Torah (Tablets and Fragments): A secular-cultural observation on the transition between the first, perfect tablets that were broken, and the second tablets that were hewn with human effort, reminding us of the duty to write our value-based covenant anew in every generation.
- Shulchan Orech: A festive transition to the indulgent meal, out of the belief that holiness and true connection happen not only through texts - but through the food and the togetherness we share around the table.
Celebrating Together - Everywhere on the Globe
Whether you are with us here on the Caribbean coast, hiking on a trail in South America, or sitting with family in the living room back home - we invite you to take these writings and celebrate Shavuot a little differently. In an open, communal, egalitarian, and joyful way.
Want to celebrate with us?
Click here to download the full Shavuot Haggadah (Hebrew and English) as a PDF file
If you are in the Puerto Viejo area, don’t miss our festive holiday dinner! Please confirm your attendance in advance on the website so we can prepare in terms of food quantities and planning.
Happy Shavuot, Pura Vida, and buen provecho!