"You shall count for yourselves seven weeks, from when the sickle is first put to the standing crop shall you begin counting seven weeks. Then you will observe the Festival of Shavu'ot for the Lord, your God" - Deuteronomy 16:9-10


Shavu'ot is the Festival of Weeks. It is the second of the three key celebrations with historical and agricultural meaning (Passover and Sukkot are the other two). During Shavu'ot, we remember that the first harvests of thanks were brought to the Temple. We celebrate the giving of the Torah. Shavu'ot is counted from Passover. Shavu'ot is always on the 6th of Sivan in Israel, the 6th and 7th outside of Israel. While Passover freed us from physical bondage, the giving of the Torah redeemed our souls. Sages call attention to the fact that we receive the Torah every day. This is the time it was given to us. It is the gift not the receipt that we celebrate on Shavu'ot.

Rituals

We may not work during Shavu'ot. It is customary to study Torah throughout entire first night of Shavu'ot and pray as early as possible in the morning.

By custom, we eat dairy at least once during Shavu'ot. Some say it reminders us of the promise of a land flowing with "milk and honey." Others say it is because our ancestors upon receiving the Torah received the dietary laws.

During Shavu'ot, we read the Book of Ruth.