Religion

Samaritans mark Shavuot festival atop Mount Gerizim

Nablus, Jun 5 (EFE/EPA).- Members of the Samaritan community on Sunday attended a sunrise service atop Mount Gerizim, which overlooks the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, to mark the Shavuot festival.

The Shavuot festival marks the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai, seven weeks after the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, according to religious scripture.

According to tradition, the Samaritans are descendants of the Jews who were not deported when the Assyrians conquered Israel in 722 BC.

Samaritanism remains a close relation to Judaism, but its followers believe it to be the one true religion of the ancient Israelites.

In Samaritan teachings, Mount Gerizim — as opposed to Temple Mount in Jerusalem — is the Holy Place of Israel.

epa-jt

Related Articles

Back to top button