Shauvot
- Lori Crawford
- Mar 19, 2021
- 2 min read
49 days after Passover commemorating the time Yah gave the Torah to the Hebrews. During this period, we are to refine our thoughts and emotions in preparation of rededicating our lives to Yah. This is symbolic of the refinement the Hebrews went through in the desert after realizing they had been idolatrous with the golden calf.
From Chabad.org: "Shavuot” means “weeks,” and refers to the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot, during which each day is counted as part of Sefirat HaOmer. “Chag HaKatzir” means “the festival of the harvest”—in ancient Israel the holiday coincided with the wheat harvest, and “Yom HaBikurim” means “the day of the first produce,” since on Shavuot the first offering from the new wheat crop, known as the “Shtei HaLechem” (the two loaves), was brought in the Temple.
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.
The Shauvot Wisdom of Making It Count
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