The Often-Forgotten Holiday of Shavuot

Shavuot, a two-day holiday, begins at sundown on Thursday, May 21, and ends at sundown on Saturday, May 23. (In Israel, it is celebrated for one day.) Along with Passover (Pesach) and Sukkot, Shavuot is one of Judaism’s three ancient pilgrimage festivals, when Jews traveled from near and far to bring offerings from their harvests to the Temple in Jerusalem.

The word Shavuot means “weeks” in Hebrew. The holiday marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot, known as the Counting of the Omer. Most importantly, Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai more than 3,300 years ago.

Jewish tradition teaches something truly beautiful: every Jewish soul that ever existed—or ever will exist—was present at Mount Sinai when the Torah was given. In other words, we were all there together!

While many families are very familiar with Pesach and Sukkot, Shavuot is often overlooked. Falling at the end of the school year and right before summer begins, it can easily slip by unnoticed. Unlike other holidays, it also doesn’t have as many widely known rituals or symbols. Yet Shavuot is filled with meaning. It is a celebration of Torah, lifelong learning, community, and actively embracing Jewish life.

How Is Shavuot Celebrated?

Shavuot traditions are rich, meaningful, and family-friendly:

Like all Jewish holidays, Shavuot begins with candle lighting and Kiddush in the evening.
It is customary to stay up late—or even all night—studying Torah on the first night of Shavuot. This tradition celebrates our excitement and eagerness to engage in Jewish learning.
During Shavuot, we read the Book of Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to join the Jewish people out of love, loyalty, and faith. Her famous words to Naomi are still quoted today:
“Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Ruth later became the great-grandmother of King David and is remembered as a model of commitment, kindness, and choosing Jewish life wholeheartedly.
The Ten Commandments are read during synagogue services, and people of all ages are encouraged to be present to hear them together as a community.
It is traditional to eat dairy foods on Shavuot! Popular treats include cheesecake, blintzes, and ice cream. One explanation is that when the Israelites first received the laws of keeping kosher at Sinai, they were not yet prepared to cook meat according to those new laws, so they ate dairy foods instead. Others connect milk to the biblical description of Israel as a land “flowing with milk and honey.”
Yizkor, the memorial prayer, is also recited on Shavuot.

Ways Your Family Can Celebrate Shavuot

Here are some simple and meaningful ways to bring Shavuot into your home:

Spend a little time learning Torah together. This article will help you get started.
Read part of the Book of Ruth as a family. Try reading this.
Enjoy dairy favorites like cheesecake, blintzes, or ice cream. Try these 5 Chef Inspired Dairy Recipes for Shavuot.
Watch this short video to learn more about Shavuot! And/or, read this article for a LOT of great information about Shavuot.
Talk together about what Jewish learning and tradition mean to your family.

Shavuot may sometimes be the “forgotten” holiday, but its message is timeless: learning matters, tradition matters, and every generation has a place in the story of the Jewish people.

We hope this inspires you to celebrate Shavuot with your family and help ensure this beautiful holiday is neither neglected nor forgotten!