Shavuot — The Festival of Weeks
שבועות
6–7 Sivan • The Giving of the Torah
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai — the defining moment in Jewish history when God revealed the Ten Commandments to the entire Jewish nation.
Upcoming Shavuot
Following Year (5788): ו׳-ז׳ סיון 5788 • May 31 – June 1, 2028
What Is Shavuot?
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is one of the Shalosh Regalim (Three Pilgrimage Festivals) and marks the culmination of the 49-day Omer count that begins on Passover. Shavuot also celebrates the wheat harvest and the bringing of first fruits (bikkurim) to the Temple.
When Is Shavuot?
Shavuot falls on the 6th of Sivan (6–7 Sivan in the Diaspora), exactly seven weeks (50 days) after the second day of Passover. The word 'Shavuot' literally means 'weeks,' referring to this seven-week countdown. The holiday usually falls in May or June.
How Is Shavuot Observed?
Key observances include: (1) Tikkun Leil Shavuot — staying up all night studying Torah; (2) Hearing the Ten Commandments read from the Torah; (3) Reading the Book of Ruth; (4) Eating dairy foods — cheesecake, blintzes, and other dairy dishes; (5) Decorating the synagogue and home with greenery and flowers; (6) Reciting Akdamut; (7) Yizkor — memorial prayers recited on the second day.
Shavuot Traditions
All-Night Torah Study
Tikkun Leil Shavuot — studying Torah texts through the night until dawn
Dairy Foods
Cheesecake, blintzes, and dairy dishes are traditional Shavuot foods
Book of Ruth
The Megillah of Ruth is read, telling the story of loyalty and conversion
Akdamut
An Aramaic liturgical poem recited before the Torah reading
Greenery & Flowers
Synagogues and homes are decorated with plants and flowers
Ten Commandments
The Torah reading of the Ten Commandments is heard by the entire congregation