Shavuot

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Shavuot

Why some synagogues use paper-cuts as decorations, how Israelis celebrate with water, and other lesser-known facts about this springtime holiday.

Shavuot 2021

In 2021, this holiday begins at sunset on May 16.

Why Shavuot Has Few Rituals

The focus is theological.

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Summary

This reading includes the biblical commandment to consecrate the first-born males of the flock to God. It then turns to the commandment to observe three pilgrimage festivals — Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, and enumerates the laws prohibiting the consumption of leavened products on Passover.

Shavuot

Deuteronomy 15:19 - 16:17
Numbers 28:26 - 28:31

Habakkuk 3:1-19

You Shall Be Joyful

The Torah seems to command us to be happy, but are our feelings within our control?

Videos

What Do Jews Believe About Jesus?

How Judaism regards the man Christians revere as the messiah.

Why Dairy on Shavuot?

A survey of the many explanations given for the tradition of eating milk products.

Modeh Ani: It’s Not Just About Gratitude

The first prayer traditionally recited upon awakening in the morning is commonly translated as "I thank you," but that's not all it means.

Recipes

The Best No-Bake Israeli Ice Box Cake

This no-bake cake is super easy and super delicious.

Blueberry Cheesecake Danish Recipe

Crisp on the outside with a buttery, flaky dough and fruity cheesecake filling.

How to Make Perfect Cheesecake 5 Ways

Cheesecake is the iconic Shavuot dessert, as sacrosanct as a Hanukkah latke or Passover matzah ball.

More From MJL

Shavuot Foods

A roundup of recipes for the springtime holiday.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot

The all-nighter is an observance that developed on Shavuot.

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Shavuot

Why some synagogues use paper-cuts as decorations, how Israelis celebrate with water, and other lesser-known facts about this springtime holiday.

How to Choose a Ketubah, or Jewish Marriage Contract

A guide to finding the right document for your wedding.

Must-Know Jewish Death and Mourning Terms

Whether you've lost a loved one or are simply paying a shiva visit, these words and phrases are helpful to know.

The Shema: How Listening Leads to Oneness

Judaism's foundational prayer calls on us not merely to listen, but to remember that there is one force of connection uniting us all.