Anniversary of the Giving of the Torah: SHAVUOT

On Shavuot, which is also called Zman Matan Torateinu, we celebrate the giving of first the Ten Commandments and then the Torah to the Jewish people, on Mount Sinai. The word Shavuot means 'weeks' in Hebrew. On this day the seven-week of Omer counting that starts on the second day of Passover, comes to an end.

The Torah was given to the Jewish people more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on Shavuot, we renew our acceptance of the Torah, as it is given anew. It is customary to light candles, stay up all night to learn Torah on the first night, and eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Shavuot is also celebrated by hearing the reading of the Ten Commandments in the synagogue.

Shavuot Festival will be celebrated on May 17^th and 18^th this year.

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