The festival of Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and encourages us to embrace the Torah’s teachings and be inspired by the wisdom Jewish tradition has to offer.
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for “weeks,” and the holiday occurs seven weeks after Passover. Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and the choice to participate actively in Jewish life.
Learn more at ReformJudaism.org Learn more at MyJewishLearning
One of the most distinctive customs of Shavuot is Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an evening-long study session. Tikkun means a “set order” of something and refers to the order in which the texts are read. The custom originated with the mystics of Safed in the 16th century, and today, many Jews stay up all night on Shavuot reading and studying a variety of sacred texts. Traditionally, readings from the Torah and Talmud are included. Tikkun Leil Shavuot Videos and Study Guides
27 Shavuot Recipe Ideas, Shavuot Recipes via ReformJudaism.org, 10 Shavuot Recipes for all Your Celebration Needs
Family activities for Shavuot: Reform Judaism
Shavuot Learning and Children’s Books for Shavuot from PJ Library
Kid-Friendly Crafts for Shavuot
What is Shavuot? from 18Doors
