Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jews. The Talmud tells us that God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews on the sixth night of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot always falls 50 days after the second night of Passover. The 49 days in between are known as the Omer.

Origins of Shavuot

In biblical times Shavuot also marked the beginning of the new agricultural season and was called Hag HaKatzir, which means “The Harvest Holiday.” Other names Shavuot is known by are “The Feast of Weeks” and Hag HaBikurim, meaning “The Holiday of First Fruits.” This last name comes from the practice of bringing fruits to the Temple on Shavuot.

After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE the rabbis connected Shavuot with the Revelation at Mt. Sinai, when God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people. This is why Shavuot celebrates the giving and receiving of the Torah in modern times.

Celebrating Shavuot Today

Many religious Jews commemorate Shavuot by spending the entire night studying Torah at their synagogue or at home. They also study other biblical books and portions of the Talmud. This all-night gathering is known as Tikun Leyl Shavuot and at dawn participants stop studying and recite shacharit, the morning prayer.

Tikun Leyl Shavuot is a kabbalistic (mystical) custom that is relatively new to Jewish tradition. It is increasingly popular among modern Jews and is meant to help us rededicate ourselves to studying Torah. Kabbalists taught that at midnight on Shavuot the skies open for a brief moment and God favourably hears all prayers.