When I think of the customs associated with Shavuot, the expression “land of milk and honey” really comes alive! Shavuot occurs in the summer months when bees (like them or loathe them, but they make honey) are buzzing away, and a favorite custom of the holiday is to consume dairy products. Here is a list of customs associated with Shavuot, the holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
1. A Dairy Meal
While most Jewish holidays enjoin us to eat meat and drink wine at a special meal, on Shavuos, we eat a dairy meal after hearing the Ten Commandments in the synagogue, before eating the afternoon holiday meal. The explanation for this was that the Jews heard that they were going to have to eat meat that was slaughtered according to Jewish law once the Torah was given, but were as yet unsure of the details involved in kosher slaughter. Therefore, we ate dairy to “be on the safe side.”
I love completing the morning prayers with ice cream, cheesecake, blintzes, puddings, and cheese. Children and adults both love these dairy foods, and they are very refreshing in the summer time. Remember to wait 30 minutes to an hour from the time you finish the dairy meal until the time you eat the meat meal. The amount of time Jews wait after dairy before meat varies according to tradition.
2. All Night Learning
For women who have been cooking and preparing for the holiday all day, this may be an extra challenge, and for this reason,most women are not required to participate in this custom. Men and boys go to the synagogue and learn Torah all night long. The reason for this is the Jewish People fell asleep before they were given the Torah. To make up for this act and to make sure we are wide awake, we learn all night.
3. Hearing the Ten Commandments in the Synagogue
Everyone should go hear the Ten Commandments in the synagogue. This includes women and even small babies. The purpose is to recreate the experience at Mount Sinai, when all of the Jews heard the Ten Commandments together, and universal participation strengthens Jewish unity.
4. Reading the Book of Ruth
For those who live outside of the Land of Israel, and celebrate two days of Shavuos, the Book of Ruth is read on the second day, because it is the day Ruth’s grandson, King David, passed away. Ruth was a righteous convert, and reading her story is an inspiration to all Jews of all backgrounds who remember that the foremother of the Messiah, who will be descended from King David, came from humble beginnings and yet showed spiritual courage.