Celebrating the Giving of the Torah
Shavuot Ideas
Further Study:
- Take a deep dive into the values found within the scripture (we promise, it’s not just for preschoolers!).
- Explore The Book of Ruth.
Food (Dairy! Dairy! Dairy!)
Food is always a fun way to celebrate and create tradition.
Family Activities
There are plenty of ways to celebrate and learn about Shavuot with children of all ages:
- PJ Library has a wealth of ideas and resources.
- Learn alongside Sesame Street characters as they explore the holiday:
- Explore Shavuot values, such as tzedakah, loyalty, kindness, and compassion found within the scripture.
Musical Resources
For Kids:
For All Ages:
What is Shavuot?
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for "weeks" and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which occurs seven weeks after Passover.
Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest.
In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and actively choosing to participate in Jewish life.