How many days till Shavuot?

How many days till Shavuot?

A summary

Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the 6th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot commemorates the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel according to the holy Bible.

Shavuot follows 49 days from the second night of Passover.

Date and days to Shavuot

The calendar date and days to go until Shavuot are as follows:

What is Shavuot?

Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is a Jewish holiday that falls seven weeks (50 days) after Passover. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, along with Passover (Pesach) and Sukkot.

What is special about Shavuot?

Shavuot has several significant aspects and traditions:

• Harvest Festival: Historically, Shavuot was an agricultural festival that celebrated the wheat harvest in the land of Israel. Farmers would bring their firstfruits to the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering to express gratitude for the harvest.
• Giving of the Torah: Shavuot is also known for its spiritual significance as it commemorates the giving of the Torah (the sacred Jewish law) to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. According to Jewish tradition, God gave the Ten Commandments and the Torah to Moses on this day. Therefore, it is often referred to as “Zman Matan Torateinu” (the Season of the Giving of Our Torah).
• Religious Observance: Shavuot is observed through synagogue services, Torah study, and special prayers. Many Jewish communities engage in all-night Torah study sessions called “Tikkun Leil Shavuot” to symbolize the Israelites staying awake and preparing for the giving of the Torah.
• Dairy Foods: One of the distinctive customs of Shavuot is the consumption of dairy foods, including cheesecakes and blintzes. The reason for this tradition is not entirely clear, but it is thought to symbolize the “land flowing with milk and honey” mentioned in the Torah. Additionally, some believe that it reflects the Israelites’ decision to keep kosher dietary laws after receiving the Torah, and dairy dishes are seen as a way to avoid mixing meat and dairy during the holiday.
• Decorations: Many Jewish homes and synagogues are decorated with flowers and greenery to symbolize the beauty of Mount Sinai. It is common to see floral arrangements and green plants adorning Torah scrolls.
• Reading the Book of Ruth: The Book of Ruth is traditionally read on Shavuot. The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who converted to Judaism and became the great-grandmother of King David, is considered a narrative of loyalty, kindness, and commitment to Judaism.
• Pilgrimage: In ancient times, Jews from across the land of Israel would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Shavuot, bringing their firstfruits as offerings to the Temple.

Shavuot holds deep religious and historical significance in Judaism. It combines agricultural and spiritual themes, emphasizing the connection between the people of Israel and the Torah. It is a time for communal celebration, reflection on Jewish identity, and the renewal of commitment to the principles and teachings of the Torah.

Frequently asked questions about Shavuot

More information about Shavuot can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)