Celebrating Shavuot: Traditions and Mysteries

It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot for the following reasons:

1. Moses was born on the 7th of Adar, and his mother hid him for three months, until Shavuot. Pharaoh’s daughter tried to feed him through Egyptian wet nurses, but he refused to nurse from them. Only when Miriam suggested bringing a Hebrew woman did he agree. Since Moses insisted on nursing only from pure milk on that day, it became a custom throughout the generations to eat dairy foods on Shavuot.

2. At Mount Sinai, the Jewish people underwent a process similar to conversion. A convert is considered like a newborn child, and a child’s primary nourishment is milk.

The Future Status of Shavuot

Even though some traditions teach that all festivals will eventually cease except for Purim and Chanukah, Shavuot will never be nullified.

When to Begin Teaching Torah to a Child

It is customary to begin teaching Torah to a young child on Shavuot, as this is the day the Torah was given.

Why Do We Read the Book of Ruth?

The Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot because the Jewish people, when they received the Torah on the 6th of Sivan, were like converts accepting the Torah. Ruth herself also converted and accepted the Torah.

Why Is Shavuot Called “Atzeret”?

Shavuot is sometimes called “Atzeret” because when the Jewish people received the Torah, they separated themselves from physical intimacy in preparation for the revelation.

Is There a Mitzvah to Eat Meat on Shavuot?

Some people mistakenly think that since there is a custom to eat dairy foods, one should not eat meat. This is incorrect. The custom of eating dairy is in addition to the mitzvah of rejoicing on the festival, which includes eating meat and drinking wine.

The common custom is to first eat dairy foods, and after properly cleaning and rinsing, to eat a meat meal.

Why Do People Stay Awake All Night on Shavuot?

One reason is to correct those among the Israelites who slept on the night before the giving of the Torah. By staying awake, we demonstrate eagerness and readiness to receive it.

A Modern Equivalent of Bringing a New Offering

Today, a person can be considered as bringing a “new offering” at its proper time if they dedicate a new Torah scroll to a synagogue on Shavuot.

The Holiness of Shavuot

Shavuot is considered especially holy, even more so than other festivals according to certain sources.

The Special Days Before Shavuot

The days leading up to Shavuot are especially significant. They are considered ideal for acquiring traits such as unity and humility.

A Unique Custom: Eating Matzah

Some have the custom to eat matzah on Shavuot, even though it is primarily associated with Passover.

A Special Segulah Before the Holiday

There is a custom to give 104 coins to a poor Torah scholar on the eve of Shavuot. This is considered a segulah for those seeking children and for bringing redemption closer.

Meriting a Revelation of Elijah the Prophet

A person who studies Torah continuously throughout the night of Shavuot without interruption may merit a revelation of Elijah the Prophet.

Praying Shacharit Before Sunrise

If most of the community is extremely tired and there is concern they may fall asleep during prayer, it is permitted to begin the morning service from dawn, even if the Amidah is recited before sunrise.

A Unique Phenomenon After the Giving of the Torah

It is taught that all children born between the giving of the Torah and the 17th of Tammuz were born already circumcised.