In 2021, Shavuot begins at sunset on Sunday, May 16 and ends at sundown on Tuesday, May 18.

What is Shavuot?

Shavuot, the feast of weeks, is celebrated seven weeks after the second Passover seder.

Shavuot combines two major religious observances. First is the grain harvest of the early summer. Second is the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai seven weeks after the exodus from Egypt.

Learn more about the history of Shavuot here.

What are some customs and practices for Shavuot?

– To commemorate the giving of the Torah at Sinai there is a tradition of staying up all night studying Jewish texts in what is called a tikkun.

– On Shavuot the Book of Ruth is read.

– Traditionally dairy foods are eaten on Shavuot.

– In order to mark the agricultural history of Shavuot, some decorate their house and synagogues with a floral theme.

To greet someone on Shavuot, you can wish them a “Happy Shavuot,” but to up your game, try these other traditional greetings:

• Gut Yontiff — Pronounced GUHT YON-tiff, this traditional Ashkenazi expression is a Yiddishized version of the greeting “Good Yom Tov” (Yom Tov, literally “good day,” is a term used to refer to the major Jewish festivals). It can be used on Shavuot or any of the major holidays.
• Chag Sameach — Pronounced CHAHG sah-MAY-ach, this is a Hebrew expression that literally translates to “happy holiday” and is typically used for any celebratory Jewish observance, including minor holidays like Hanukkah and Purim.