Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, 3,327 years ago, and is the second of the three seasonal biblical festivals (Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot).
Shavuot is a two day holiday (outside the Land of Israel), beginning this year on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:59 pm and concluding on Thursday, June 5th at 8:58 pm. Like other biblical holidays, both days begin with formal candle lighting (see times in box at right), and festive meals, complete with Kiddush and Challah, are held on both days.
Highlights of Shavuot include the Torah reading of the Ten Commandents on the first day, the custom to stay up studying Torah throughout the first night and the custom to eat dairy foods.
For tons more about Shavuot, including recipes, audio classes and articles, visit www.JBayArea.org/Shavuot.