Shavuot

Seven weeks after Passover ends, it’s time to celebrate Shavuot. This holiday marks the biblical story of receiving the Ten Commandments and the Torah at Mt. Sinai. While many families don’t regularly celebrate Shavuot, it’s a holiday that’s totally made for kids –a perfect excuse for sleepovers, flower picking, ice cream socials, and lots of other fun activities.

Although Shavuot was originally a harvest holiday, today people celebrate the day by studying the Torah, staying up all night, crafting paper cut-outs, eating local foods, and of course, indulging in cheesecake and blintzes. The tie-in to the Torah and Ten Commandments also make Shavuot a perfect opportunity to reinforce so many of the values that parents are already imparting to their children: telling the truthhonoring others, and sharing.

Video
What is Shavuot? All About the Jewish Holiday for Torah and Learning

At a Glance

What is Shavuot?

This holiday marks the biblical story of receiving the Ten Commandments and the Torah at Mt. Sinai.

When is Shavuot?

Shavuot begins in the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026 and ends in the evening on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

What do people do on Shavuot?

Although Shavuot was originally a harvest holiday, today people celebrate the day by studying the Torah, staying up all night, crafting paper cut-outs, eating local foods, and of course, indulging in cheesecake and blintzes.

Downloadables

Spot the Difference Game
Can you find the eight differences between these two scenes?

Activities, Recipes, Audio, and More

Use the tiles to find book lists, how-tos, podcast episodes, and other resources to have the best Shavuot ever.

Audio
Listen to music, podcasts, and more!
Activities
Fun Shavuot crafts, DIYs, games and more!
Recipes
Kid-approved (and easy to make) Shavuot recipes.

Celebrations & Traditions

Why do Jews Read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot?
Learn more about the biblical heroine, Ruth, and why she’s honored on Shavuot.
How do You Celebrate Shavuot With Kids?
Shavuot is a holiday made for families.
Why do People Eat Dairy on Shavuot?
Learn about the connection between dairy products and the holiday of Shavuot.
Enjoy Traditional Shavuot Crafts and Recipes
A quick look at Shavuot traditions that happen to be child-friendly.
Why do People Stay Up Late on Shavuot?
super short summary
We’ll Help You Make a Passover Party Plan!
Our Get Together program helps PJ Library subscribers host meaningful Jewish gatherings with friends. You invite some people you love, we’ll provide ideas, tips, even reimbursement for rubber frogs and chocolate-covered matzah if you’d like.

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