Out of respect for the sanctity of the holiday, please print out this holiday guide before the onset of the holiday (sundown
Thursday, May 28), and keep handy throughout the holiday for reference purposes.
During the course of the holiday we don't go to work, drive, write or switch on or off electric devices. We are permitted to cook and to carry outdoors.
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Thursday,
Sivan 5-May 28
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Erev Shavuot
It is customary to decorate synagogues and homes with flowers and boughs.
The holiday of Shavuot begins at sundown tonight.
Make an Eruv Tavshilin before the holiday begins.
Women and girls light candles tonight to usher in the holiday. Click here for candle lighting times in your city and here for the blessings one recites while lighting.
After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the holiday kiddush, is enjoyed.
On this night it is customary to remain awake and study Torah until dawn.
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Friday,
Sivan 6-May 29
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First Day of Shavuot
Torah Reading: Exodus 19:1-20:26; Numbers 28:26-31
Haftorah: Ezekiel 1:1-28; 3:12
Reading of the Ten Commandments.
All men, women and children should go to the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments. Click here to find a synagogue near you.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, encouraged the bringing of even the youngest of children to the reading of the Ten Commandments in the synagogue on Shavuot. This is in commemoration of the Jewish people declaring: "Our children are our guarantors [that we will keep the Torah]". This was the only guarantee acceptable to G-d (Midrash).
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Many communities chant the Akdamot poem before the reading of the Torah.
Kiddush is recited, and a holiday meal follows.
It is customary to eat dairy foods today. Click here for delicious dairy recipes
Candle-lighting before sunset. Click here for candle lighting times in your city and here for the blessings.
After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the
Shabbat/holiday kiddush, is again enjoyed.
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Shabbat
Sivan 7-May 30
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Second Day of Shavuot
Torah Reading: Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17; Numbers 28:26-31
Haftarah: Habakkuk 2:20-3:19
The Yizkor memorial service is recited (and charity is pledged) for the souls of departed loved ones.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Kiddush is recited, and a holiday meal follows.
Some communities have the custom to read the Book of Ruth on the second day of Shavuot.
The holiday ends tonight at nightfall. Click here for end of holiday times in your location.
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