The holiday of Shavuot is a two-day holiday, beginning at sundown following the 5th of Sivan and lasting until nightfall of the 7th of Sivan (May 26-27, 2023). In Israel it is a one-day holiday, ending at nightfall of the 6th of Sivan.
In this article:
What Shavuot Commemorates
The word Shavuot (or Shavuos) means “weeks.” It celebrates the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot.
The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai on Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah.
The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G‑d and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means “oaths,” for on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him. Learn more about the giving of the Torah and what it means to us today.
In ancient times, two wheat loaves would be offered in the Holy Temple on Shavuot. It was also at this time that people would begin to bring bikkurim, their first and choicest fruits, to thank G‑d for Israel’s bounty. Learn about bikkurim here.
How Is Shavuot Celebrated?
- Women and girls light holiday candles to usher in the holiday, on both the first and second evenings of the holidays. Read the holiday candle-lighting procedure here.
- It is customary to stay up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot. Read how and why we stay up here.
- All men, women and children should go to the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments on the first day of Shavuot. Learn about the Ten Commandments here.
- As on other holidays, special meals are eaten, and no “work” may be performed. More on how we “rest” on Jewish holidays.
- It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Menus range from traditional cheese blintzes to quiches, casseroles and more. Learn the reasons for eating dairy on Shavuot here.
- On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited. Brush up on Yizkor here.
- Some communities read the Book of Ruth during morning services, as King David—whose passing occurred on this day—was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite. Read the Book of Ruth here.
- Some have the custom to decorate their homes (and synagogues) with flowers and sweet-smelling plants in advance of Shavuot. Read 7 classic reasons for this custom here.
Click here for more about Shavuot.
