Happy Shavuot

Hebrew Date: Sixth and Seventh of Sivan Secular Dates: (5768) June 9-10, 2008 | (5769) May 29-30, 2009 | (5770) May 19-20, 2010 | (5771) June 8-9, 2011 Duration: Two days (outside Israel), One day (inside Israel) Work: Not permitted Name: Shavuot, Chag, Ha-Bikkurim Summary: Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is a Biblical festival that occurs on 6 and 7 Sivan-seven weeks after Pesach-(in May or June). Shavuot is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Chag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah). It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavuot and study Torah (Tikkun Leil Shavuot), then pray as early as possible in the morning. It is customary to eat a dairy meal at least once during Shavuot. It is a reminder of the promise regarding the land of Israel, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Megillah (Book of Ruth) is read at this time. Additional Information: Shavuot: The Giving of the Torah :: Shavuot :: Shavuot :: Shavuot Family Activities: Tzivos HaShem: Shavuot