Shavuot #1

The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d's gift and G‑d "re-gives" the Torah.

The word Shavuot means 'weeks'. It marks the completion of the seven week counting period between Passover and Shavuot.

The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our Sages have compared it to a wedding between G‑d and the Jewish people.

Shavuot also means oath and on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him.

The holiday of Shavuot is a two-day holiday.
* Women and girls light holiday candles to usher in the holiday, both on the first and second nights of the holiday.
* It is customary to stay up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot.
* All men, women and children should go to the synagogue on the first day of Shavuot to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments.
* As on other holidays, special meals are eaten, and no "work" may be performed.
* Many eat dairy foods on Shavuot commemorating the fact that upon receiving the Torah, including the Kosher laws, the Jewish people could not cook meat in their pots which had yet to be rendered Kosher.
* On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited.