Holiday of Shavuos
- Holiday, we received the Torah!
Word of G-d
Most important document
Entire Jewish people experienced!
- Begins on sixth day of month of Sivan
This year begins on Thursday evening, May 21st , until Saturday night, May 23rd.
- Work Restrictions
No driving
No work
No turning on/off lights, etc.
Similar to Shabbat with work prohibitions-39 Categories of labor with some important differences- During weekdays one can cook and bake as needed for holiday; One can carry outdoors as needed for holiday; One can kindle fire from a pre-existing flame
- Candle Lighting
First night, Thursday evening at 7:34 p.m with matches or if later, from pre-existing flame- Los Angeles time. Blessing for holiday (In ArtScroll prayerbook shaded area, page 296) and blessing of “Shehecheyanu”(kept us alive)
2nd night’s lighting, Friday night, from a pre-existing flame at 7:35 p.m. same blessing as previous night (also light Yizkor memorial lamp(s)
- Joy of Holiday
Festive Holiday Meals
2 meals a day, one at night and one during day (3 on Shabbos)
– Table set beautifully
– Wine
– Challah, 2 per meal
– Fish
– Meat
-Kiddush (Sanctification of Day with wine) on both Thursday night and Friday night
-Add Shavuot inserts, on Friday night add Shabbos inserts on Friday night
-Add Shecheyanu blessing (kept us alive…)
– Grace after Meals – page 184
– Holiday insert for Shavuot shaded area page 190 and on second day Shabbos inserts as well
-Shabbat clothing
-Jewelry – women
-Snacks for kids
- Prayers
Similar to other major holidays – Silent devotion page 660 with special Shavuot inserts.
During day-say full Hallel (Psalms of Praise) page 632 after morning devotion
Torah Reading
Before reading:
On 1st day read letter of Akdamus (Page 714)
On 2nd day read Megillah of Rus (Book of Ruth) in stone of ArtScroll Chumash pg 1269
Torah Reading
1st day about receiving Torah in Exodus 19
2nd day about holidays Deuteronomy 15:19
Yizkor – Memorial Service 2nd day (Shabbos morning) pg 810-815
-Pledge charity
-24-hour Candlelight Friday late afternoon from a pre-existing flame
Holiday supplemental service page 674
– Inserts for Shavuos and for Shabbos on 2nd day
Birchas Kohanim – Priestly Blessings page 692
At conclusion of Holiday (Saturday night 8:38 pm) say Havdallah
Kiddush Lavana – Sanctification of the New Moon pg 612-616
Customs of the Holiday
Decorate home and synagogue with greens, branches and flowers
Stay up all night studying Torah! (Thursday night- see schedule below)
THIS YEAR – COME TO JLE
Eat some dairy products on Shavuot
Have any questions? Please feel free to call me at (323) 857-0923 or on my cell (213) 446-3440.
Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik