Out of respect for the sanctity of the holiday (Thursday evening, May 21-23, 2026), please print out this holiday guide before the onset of the holiday, and keep it handy throughout for reference purposes.
What Is Shavuot?
Shavuot 2026
Shavuot (שָׁבוּעוֹת in Hebrew, also pronounced Shavuos) is a two-day Jewish holiday (May 21-23, 2026) that commemorates the date when G‑d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai over 3,000 years ago. Preceded by 49 days of counting in eager anticipation, Shavuot is celebrated through desisting from work, candle-lit dinners, staying up all night to study Torah, listening to the reading of the Ten Commandments in synagogue, enjoying dairy foods and other festivities.
Shavuot is a two-day holiday, beginning at sundown following the 5th of Sivan and lasting until nightfall of the 7th of Sivan (May 21-23, 2026). In Israel it is a one-day holiday, ending at nightfall of the 6th of Sivan.
What Shavuot Commemorates
The word Shavuot (or Shavuos) means “weeks.” It celebrates the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot.
The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai on Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah.
The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G‑d and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means “oaths,” for on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him. Learn more about the giving of the Torah and what it means to us today.
In ancient times, two wheat loaves would be offered in the Holy Temple on Shavuot. It was also at this time that people would begin to bring bikkurim, their first and choicest fruits, to thank G‑d for Israel’s bounty. Learn about bikkurim here.
How Is Shavuot Celebrated?
- Women and girls light holiday candles to usher in the holiday, on both the first and second evenings of the holidays. Read the holiday candle-lighting procedure here.
- It is customary to stay up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot. Read how and why we stay up here.
- All men, women and children should go to the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments on the first day of Shavuot. Learn about the Ten Commandments here.
- As on other holidays, special meals are eaten, and no “work” may be performed. More on how we “rest” on Jewish holidays.
- It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Menus range from traditional cheese blintzes to quiches, casseroles and more. Learn the reasons for eating dairy on Shavuot here.
- On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited. Brush up on Yizkor here.
- Some communities read the Book of Ruth during morning services, as King David—whose passing occurred on this day—was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite. Read the Book of Ruth here.
- Some have the custom to decorate their homes (and synagogues) with flowers and sweet-smelling plants in advance of Shavuot. Read 7 classic reasons for this custom here.
Shavuot FAQ
What is Shavuot?
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday on the anniversary of the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. Coming after the 7-week Omer Count, It is also known as the Festival of Weeks.
Read: 11 Shavuot Facts Every Jew Should Know
What does Shavuot mean?
Shavuot means “weeks” and it is thus named because comes after counting 49 days (7 weeks) from the second day of Passover, each day becoming more refined and more ready for this special celebration.
Read: What Is the Meaning of Shavuot?
When is Shavuot celebrated?
Shavuot is a two-day holiday. Coming after the seven-week Omer count, it is celebrated on the sixth and seventh days of the Hebrew month of Sivan, which usually falls in late May or early June on the Gregorian calendar.
Read: When Is Shavuot This Year?
How long is Shavuot?
In Israel, Shavuot is just one day long, beginning before sunset and concluding after night has fallen the following day. In the diaspora, it is a two-day holiday, extending for another 24 hours.
Read: Why The Extra Day in the Diaspora?
How to celebrate Shavuot?
Shavuot is celebrated by lighting candles each night, staying up all night studying Torah, hearing the 10 Commandments during synagogue services, and eating festive meals, some of which may include dairy foods.
Explore: Shavuot Laws & Customs
Is work permitted on Shavuot?
Like other holidays (yom tov), work is not allowed on Shavuot, with the exception of certain forms of food prep (such as cooking on a preexisting flame) and carrying without an eruv.
Read: Laws of Yom Tov
What is the significance of eating dairy foods on Shavuot?
One explanation is that the Torah is compared to milk and honey, and dairy foods symbolize the sweetness and richness of the Torah.
Read: Why Eat Dairy on Shavuot?
Why is the Book of Ruth read on Shavuot?
The story of Ruth takes place during the barley harvest, which coincides with the time of Shavuot. Ruth's journey to convert to Judaism and join the Jewish people is seen as an example of devotion and loyalty to the Torah.
Read: Ruth-Shavuot Connections
Why stay up all night studying Torah on Shavuot?
The most common reason is that the Israelites overslept on the morning they were supposed to receive the Torah, so staying up all night “fixes” that missed opportunity.
Read: Learning All Night on Shavuot
When are the 10 Commandments read?
The 10 Commandments are read as part of morning services on the first day of Shavuot. Since so many kids come to that service, it is often followed by an ice cream party for children (and a dairy reception for the adults).
Read: Hear the 10 Commandments
Who should attend the 10 Commandments reading?
The Rebbe encouraged every single Jew—men, women, and even babies—to make every effort to come to synagogue and hear the 10 Commandments from the Torah.
Find: A 10 Commandments Reading Near You
Are there any specific customs associated with Shavuot?
Some Shavuot customs include decorating homes and synagogues with flowers and greenery, learning all night, hearing the 10 Commandments, eating dairy, and reading the Book of Ruth.
Read: 7 Reasons From Greenery and Flowers on Shavuot
Is Yizkor said on Shavuot?
Yes, Yizkor is said as part of morning services on the second day of Shavuot (in Israel, where there is only one day, it is said on that day, following the reading of the 10 Commandments).
Read: Yizkor
Click here for more about Shavuot.
Hear the Ten Commandments on Shavuot
The holiday of Shavuot is the day on which we celebrate the great revelation of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, more than 3,300 years ago. You stood at the foot of the mountain, as did your grandparents and great-grandparents before them. The souls of all Jews, from all times, came together to hear the Ten Commandments from G‑d Himself.
Be Sure to Hear the 10 Commandments
This year, on Friday May 22, 2026, go to your local synagogue to hear the Ten Commandments and reaffirm the covenant with G‑d and His Torah.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—explained that there is special significance to bringing children, even the youngest of infants, to hear the Ten Commandments on Shavuot morning.
Find a friendly synagogue service near you
Why This Is Important
Before G‑d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He demanded guarantors. The Jews made a number of suggestions, all rejected by G‑d, until they declared, “Our children will be our guarantors that we will cherish and observe the Torah.” G‑d immediately accepted them and agreed to give the Torah.
“By listening to the Ten Commandments on Shavuot morning,” the Rebbe explained, “the words of Torah will be engraved in the hearts and minds of the children. And through them, the Torah will be etched within their parents and grandparents with even greater intensity. Thus, the Ten Commandments, which include within them the entire Torah, will become a part of our lives throughout the entire year.”
Thanks to the Rebbe’s urging, Shavuot at the synagogue, replete with ice-cream parties and games, is an increasingly popular part of Jewish childhood.
Let us make sure to bring along all our “guarantors” to the synagogue on the first day of Shavuot.
Shavuot Calendar
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, to kindle a stove with a flame that existed before the holiday (or which was lit from such a flame), and to carry outdoors.
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Thursday |
Shavuot eve (Erev Shavuot) It is customary to decorate synagogues and homes with flowers and boughs. All decorations must be done today, before the holiday starts. Since Shabbat occurs immediately following the first day of the festival, an "eruv tavshilin" is prepared prior to the festival, so that it should be permitted to prepare food for Shabbat on Friday. The holiday of Shavuot begins tonight. Women and girls light candles tonight to usher in the holiday. Click here for candle-lighting times in your city, and click 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, |
First day of Shavuot 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, the Midrash states, was the only guarantee acceptable to G‑d. Many communities chant the Akdamut poem before the reading of the Torah. The priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer. Holiday Kiddush is recited, and a holiday meal follows. It is customary to eat dairy foods today. Click here for delicious dairy recipes. The food for the Friday night meal can be warmed up before candle lighting, using a flame that has been lit from the onset of the holiday. Candle-lighting, from a pre-existing flame, before nightfall. Click here for candle-lighting times in your city, and and click here for the Shabbat/holiday blessings. In some communities, whoever will say yizkor tomorrow lights a yahrtzeit candle tonight before lighting Shabbat candles, also from a pre-existing flame. After the holiday evening prayers, which include both Shabbat and holiday texts, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the Shabbat and holiday kiddush, is again enjoyed. |
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Shabbat |
Second day of Shavuot Some communities have the custom to read the Book of Ruth on the second day of Shavuot. 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. Holiday Kiddush (preceded by the Shabbat verses said quietly) is recited, and a festive meal follows. The holiday ends tonight at nightfall. Click here for end of holiday times in your location. Havdalah is said using wine, a flame, and spices. |
Candle-Lighting Blessings
- Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nehr shehl yohm tohv.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי- אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב
Translation: Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the holiday light. - Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-heh-kheh-yah-noo veh-kee-mah-noo ve-hih-gee-ah-noo liz-mahn hah-zeh
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְמַן הַזֶּה
Translation: Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Useful Shavuot Links:
7 Lessons From Ruth About Living With Purpose
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