Shavuot

Shavuot: The Feast of Weeks

Next Shavuot will be observed on Sunday, June 1, 2025. For 2025, Shavuot begins at sunset on June 1 and concludes at nightfall on June 3.

Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is a significant Jewish holiday celebrated fifty days after Passover. It marks two important events: the wheat harvest in Israel and the moment when God gave the Torah to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai.

While Shavuot is not a public holiday in North America or the UK, many Jewish-owned businesses may close to allow their owners to observe the holiday.

History of Shavuot

Fifty days after their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Torah, including the Ten Commandments. Shavuot commemorates the Jewish people’s commitment to serve and obey God and His divine law.

Biblically, Shavuot is linked to the harvesting season in Israel, lasting seven weeks. This connection is reflected in its name, which means “weeks” in Hebrew. As a pilgrimage festival, Jewish men traveled to Jerusalem to offer the first fruits of their harvest to God.

Observing Shavuot

As a community-centered holiday, many people take the day off work to gather in synagogues for special Shavuot prayers. Here are some key rituals and customs associated with Shavuot:

• Consuming dairy products, such as milk and cheese
• Studying the Torah through the night
• Reading the Book of Ruth during morning rituals
• Decorating homes and synagogues with plants and greenery
• Reciting the Akdamut, a liturgical poem, during synagogue services

Shavuot is also related to Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Passover in the Gregorian calendar, unlike the Jewish lunar calendar.

Celebrate Shavuot with these traditions and remember its rich history and significance in the Jewish faith.