Shavuot is one of the most meaningful holidays in the Jewish calendar—a celebration of the day the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is observed on the 6th of Sivan, seven weeks after the second night of Passover, marking the completion of the Counting of the Omer, a 49-day journey of spiritual preparation.
Why So Many Names?
Shavuot is known by several names in Torah and rabbinic literature, each revealing a different aspect of its significance:
Shavuot (Weeks):
Refers to the seven weeks counted from Passover, as commanded in Leviticus 23:15–16.
Chag HaKatzir (Festival of the Harvest):
Celebrates the beginning of the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel (Exodus 23:16).
Yom HaBikkurim (Day of the First Fruits):
Marks the time when the first fruits (Bikkurim) were brought to the Holy Temple (Numbers 28:26).
Zman Matan Torateinu (The Time of the Giving of Our Torah):
A name from the prayer liturgy and rabbinic sources, reminding us of the historic moment at Mount Sinai (Talmud Shabbat 86b).
Atzeret (Conclusion or Assembly):
Used by the Sages, this name portrays Shavuot as the spiritual conclusion of Pesach, completing the journey from physical freedom to receiving the Torah. (Talmud Pesachim 68b)
Chag (The Festival):
In some sources, Shavuot is simply called “the Festival”, emphasizing its central role in defining the Jewish people through the Torah. (Rabbinic and mystical texts )
How We Celebrate Shavuot
Staying Up All Night – Tikkun Leil Shavuot
It’s a widespread tradition to stay awake on the first night of Shavuot studying Torah, known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot. This spiritual dedication honors the moment the Torah was received and prepares us to accept it anew.
Reading the Ten Commandments
On Shavuot morning, we read the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments) in synagogue. Everyone is encouraged to attend—men, women, and children—to reexperience the revelation at Sinai together.
Eating Dairy Foods
Shavuot meals often include dairy dishes like cheesecake and blintzes. Among the reasons:
Reading Megillat Ruth
We also read the Book of Ruth, the inspiring story of a righteous convert who became the great-grandmother of King David. According to rabbinic tradition, King David was born and died on Shavuot—further connecting his lineage to this holy day.
Joyful Celebration
As with all Jewish holidays, Shavuot is celebrated with festive meals, special Yom Tov prayers, and the singing of Hallel (Psalms of praise). It’s a time of simcha shel mitzvah—joy in the performance of G-d’s commandments.
Shavuot isn’t just a commemoration—it’s a spiritual experience. Every year, we have the chance to stand at Sinai once again, to embrace the Torah with fresh eyes and open hearts.