Celebrating Shavuot
This joyful holiday—also known as the Festival of “Weeks”—arrives exactly seven weeks after Passover (50 days after the first Seder). Along with Passover and Sukkot, Shavuot is one of the three ancient pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah. It honors both the first fruits of the harvest and the moment when we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, a foundation of wisdom for the Jewish community and beyond.
The Texts of the Holiday
Two main texts enrich the themes of Shavuot:
- Ten Commandments
It’s traditional to chant the Ten Commandments at sunrise in synagogue, symbolically re-enacting the initial revelation at Mount Sinai. Often this follows the Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an all-night study session inspired by 16th-century Kabbalistic practice in Tzfat. - Book of Ruth
We also read Ruth, a timeless story of loyalty and love during challenging times. Ruth’s moving declaration—“Wherever you go I shall go, your people shall be my people, and your God my God”—reminds us that all are welcomed warmly into the Jewish community.
Together, these texts highlight that anyone can feel a special connection to Jewish tradition and wisdom.
Edible Symbols
One of Shavuot’s most popular customs is to enjoy dairy foods. Since Torah and the land of Israel are often likened to milk and honey, you’ll find cheesecakes, cheese blintzes, and even ice cream on many Shavuot tables. This holiday also marks the shift from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest—so baked treats featuring fine flour often take center stage!
Counting the Omer
The 49 days between Passover and Shavuot—known as the Omer—are a powerful time of reflection and growth. Each day, we take a moment to meditate on qualities like humility, perseverance, kindness, discipline, and balance. By day 50 (Shavuot), we hope to open ourselves fully to the wisdom of Torah.
Reflection Questions for Everyone
- Instead of asking “Did God write the Torah?” consider “What does the Torah teach us?”
- How can we make space for character growth so we’re more open to wisdom—whether from our own faith traditions or the broader world?
- In what ways can we welcome others into our communities, following Naomi’s example for Ruth?
- What foods bring you such joy that their taste sparks celebration in your heart?
Ready to Learn More?
Dive deeper into the holiday’s history, recipes, and community traditions with our Shavuot brochure.
We hope this resource helps you discover new ways to celebrate, connect with community, and find meaning in this wonderful holiday. Chag sameach—wishing you a joyous Shavuot!