Shavuot

What it is
From the second night of Passover, the Jewish people have counted days (the Counting of the Omer). We have counted seven weeks of seven days, and we have arrived at Shavuot.
Shavuot means “weeks” and is one of our ancient harvest festivals.
It also commemorates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and our unification as the Nation of Israel.
At Passover, we recalled the physical liberation we experienced during the Exodus from Egypt. At Shavuot, we celebrate our preparedness and spiritual readiness for receiving the Torah.


How we celebrate
Shavuot, much like Shabbat, is a holiday where we refrain from driving and working. Unlike Shabbat, we are permitted to cook and to carry.
To commemorate the receiving of the Torah and rededicate our commitment to its observance, many participate in all-night learning sessions.
The Book of Ruth – a dedicated Jew and a convert to Judaism – is read on Shavuot.
The reading of the Ten Commandments is also done on Shavuot, and it is important for everyone to hear them.
Shavuot meals – unlike many of our other holiday meals – are traditionally dairy meals. Typically, at least one dairy meal is had during this holiday.


How to make it meaningful
Many synagogues host Shavuot learning sessions. Some provide the traditional all-night learning sessions. Others offer various classes before and on the night of Shavuot. It is a meaningful experience to delve deeper into Torah learning late at night.

If you are unable to attend a learning session or there aren’t any in your area, pick a subject and collect material to read through and study on the holiday.

Attend synagogue services and fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the reading of the Ten Commandments. If you cannot get to a synagogue, again, you can read something online or from a book in your personal library. Print your materials before the holiday begins so you are ready to participate.

Shavuot is our “spiritual” holiday, so spend some time in contemplation. How would you like to grow spiritually in the upcoming year? What does that mean to you? Set some goals for yourself. Write them down so you can see how you did at the end of the year.

Bring a group of friends together to share a dairy meal and embark upon some learning together. Talk about why the Torah is important to you, how its importance has evolved during your life, and what it means to you to live a Jewish life.

Shavuot is an important holiday in our yearly growth inspired by the yearly rhythm of Jewish traditions. Spend some time embracing that and have a wonderful holiday!