Out of respect for the sanctity of the holiday, please print out this holiday guide before the onset of the holiday (sundown Tuesday, May 22), and keep handy throughout the holiday for reference purposes.

Tuesday,
Sivan 5-May 22
Erev Shavuot

It is customary to decorate synagogues and homes with flowers and boughs.

The holiday of Shavuot begins at sundown tonight.

Women and girls light candles tonight to usher in the holiday. Click here for candle lighting times in your city and here for the blessings one recites while lighting.

After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the holiday kiddush, is enjoyed.

On this night it is customary to remain awake and study Torah until dawn.

Wednesday,
Sivan 6-May 23
First Day of Shavuot
Torah Reading: Exodus 19:1-20:26; Numbers 28:26-31
Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28; 3:12

Reading of the Ten Commandments.

All men, women and children should go to the synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments. Click here to find a synagogue near you.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, encouraged the bringing of even the youngest of children to the reading of the Ten Commandments in the synagogue on Shavuot. This is in commemoration of the Jewish people declaring: “Our children are our guarantors [that we will keep the Torah]”. This was the only guarantee acceptable to G-d

The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.

Many communities chant the Akdamot poem before the reading of the Torah.

Kiddush is recited, and a holiday meal follows.

It is customary to eat dairy foods today. Click here for delicious dairy recipes

Candle-lighting after dark. Click here for candle lighting times in your city and here for the blessings.

After the holiday evening prayers, a festive holiday meal, complete with the recitation of the holiday kiddush, is again enjoyed.

Thursday
Sivan 7-May 24
Second Day of Shavuot
Torah Reading: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17; Numbers 28:26-31
Haftarah: Habakkuk 2:20-3:19

The Yizkor memorial service is recited (and charity is pledged) for the souls of departed loved ones.

The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.

Kiddush is recited, and a holiday meal follows.

Some communities have the custom to read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot.

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