With Shavuot approaching, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is releasing a rare collection of archival photos showcasing Shavuot celebrations in pre-state Israel.
Taken in the 1930s and 1940s, these images capture festive moments in Jerusalem, Haifa, Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan, Kibbutz Ramat David, and other communities across the country.
The photos vividly show children and young adults dressed in festive clothing, dancing, and carrying traditional baskets of first fruits (bikkurim). In the Land of Israel, Shavuot carried renewed agricultural and symbolic significance—celebrated in schools, kibbutzim, and cities as a powerful expression of national renewal and connection to the land.
Over time, a tradition developed where bikkurim were sold during school and community ceremonies, with proceeds donated to KKL-JNF.
The organization’s iconic blue collection box became a familiar symbol at these events, representing a shared spirit of generosity, cooperation, and dedication to land development. These newly unveiled photos capture not only the joy of the holiday but also the pioneering spirit that shaped Jewish life during this foundational era.
