holiday guide

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YOUR SHAVUOT GUIDE

During the course of the two-day Shavuot festival we don’t go to work, drive, write, or switch on or off electric devices. We are permitted to cook or warm food only on the first day (Friday), and only if the stove is left on from before the festival, so most food should be cooked in advance.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 (5 SIVAN) | SHAVUOT EVE

• It is customary to decorate synagogues and homes with flowers and branches, since Shavuot is also called the “Harvest Festival.” Also, although Mount Sinai was situated in a desert, when the Torah was given the mountain bloomed and sprouted flowers. (All floral arrangements should be done before the festival begins, to respect the sanctity of Shavuot.) • Eruv Tavshilin: When a festival day (yom tov) falls on a Friday -- as Shavuot does this year -- an “eruv tavshilin” (i.e., food for at least one “meal” that is set aside in advance for Shabbat) must be prepared prior to the festival, so that it should be permitted to prepare food for Shabbat during the festival. • The holiday of Shavuot begins tonight at sunset. • Women and girls light Yom Tov candles at 8:31pm. Also light a 24-hour candle before sunset.* • After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the holiday kiddush, is enjoyed. • It is customary to stay up all night studying Torah until dawn. The Jewish people did not rise early on the day

G-d gave the Torah, and it was necessary for G-d Himself to awaken them. To compensate for this, we have the custom of remaining awake all night, which also shows our excited anticipation of receiving the Torah. If you knew you were going to win the lottery in the morning, would you be able to sleep?

FRIDAY, MAY 29 (6 SIVAN) | FIRST DAY OF SHAVUOT

• Morning services. The Ten Commandments are read from the Torah scroll in synagogue, if it will be possible given the current quarantine conditions. It is customary for all to attend – men, women and children (even babies). Since we all stood together the first time over 3,000 years ago, we all stand together now and the

Torah is given anew each year. • Kiddush and festive meal following services • Dairy Buffet: It is customary to eat dairy during Shavuot. Most people do so as an appetizer or snack before the festival meal today, after kiddush. We then wait at least an hour before beginning the festive meal with meat. • Candle lighting before 8:32pm from a pre-existing flame.* • Those who will be reciting the Yizkor memorial prayer should light a Yizkor candle from a pre-existing flame.* • After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the holiday kiddush, is enjoyed.

SHABBAT, MAY 30 (7 SIVAN) | SECOND DAY OF SHAVUOT

• Morning services • The Yizkor memorial service is recited (and charity is pledged) for the souls of departed loved ones. • Kiddush and festive meal following services • The Book of Ruth is studied on the second day of Shavuot. Shavuot is the birthday and yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of King David, and the Book of Ruth records his ancestry. Also, Ruth was a sincere convert who embraced Judaism with all her heart. On Shavuot all Jews were converts—having accepted the Torah and all of its precepts. • Festival ends at 9:44pm