Shavuot 2018

What you need to know about this holiday, which starts at sundown May 19.

Photo credit Aly Miller
Advertisement

Shavuot 2018 begins at sunset on Saturday, May 19 and ends on the evening of Monday, May 21.

What is Shavuot?

Shavuot, the feast of weeks, is celebrated seven weeks after the second Passover seder. Although Shavuot began as an ancient grain harvest festival, the holiday has been identified since biblical times with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Learn more about the history of Shavuot here.

What are some customs and practices for Shavuot?

– To commemorate the giving of the Torah at Sinai there is a tradition of staying up all night studying Jewish texts in what is called a tikkun.

Support My Jewish Learning

Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.

Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

– On Shavuot the Book of Ruth is read.

– Traditionally dairy foods are eaten on Shavuot.

– In order to mark the agricultural history of Shavuot, some decorate their house and synagogues with a floral theme.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Discover More

Why Read Ezekiel on Shavuot?

Tradition connects the prophet's vision to the revelation at Sinai.

The Ten Commandments

The division and structure has been open to interpretation throughout history.

Shavuot in Modern Times

New ceremonies and rituals are introduced.

Advertisement