Whether you are looking for videos, crafts, explanations, or more, jkidphilly is your one-stop-shop for all things Shavuot.
Come for the delicious dairy recipes;
stay for the endless array of ways to celebrate with your jkids!
About Shavuot
Shavuot is the Hebrew word for weeks. It is seven weeks from Passover and the exodus from Egypt, to Mount Sinai and the receiving of the Ten Commandments and the Torah. Scholars say this is the moment when the formerly-enslaved Israelites truly united to become the Jewish people. Other scholars call this a journey of enlightenment — so we get to eat “light” dairy foods such as ice cream, cheesecake, and blintzes.
Shavuot is one of Judaism’s three “Foot Festivals” or pilgrimage holidays, along with Passover and Sukkot. Ancient Jews from everywhere would travel to Jerusalem – you could take a family hike, visit relatives, or plan a future pilgrimage of your own. Shavuot is also a harvest holiday – visit a farm or try a new fruit or vegetable.
Shavuot, of course, is about Torah and learning. How perfect that it usually comes at the end of the school year, when we celebrate the completion of one school year and plan for the next. One tradition is the Tikkun leil Shavuot, an all night study session — have a pajama party and read some PJ Library books or look at the stars. Shavuot is a perfect opportunity to reinforce the family values that you care about – telling the truth, honoring others, and tzedakah (righteous giving.)
Everything you wanted to know about Shavuot — and more!
- Read Rabbi David Ackerman’s article about Shavuot: “The Best Kept Secret.”
- Read Rabbi Marc Margolies article: “Hearing God’s Voice.”
- Learn more with PJ Library’s Shavuot hub!
Crafts and games for a super Shavuot
- On Shavuot, there’s a tradition of decorating the insides of the synagogue with fresh, beautiful flowers. Download and print our jkidphilly Shavuot Flowers craft or make your own dandelion chain!
- Find some ideas on our jkidphilly Shavuot Pinterest board!
- Check out the jkidphilly calendar to see what we have going on for Shavuot.
- PJ Library has lots of kid-friendly crafts for Shavuot!
Nothing says Shavuot like a sweet bowl full of ice cream!
- Our very own Alyse cooks delicious cheesecake!
- Find out the connection between dairy and Shavuot.
- See what PJ Library’s got cooking for Shavuot!
Videos for all ages
- Shalom Sesame teaches about Shavuot for younger kids.
- BimBam talks about the Ten Commandments for older kids here.
Get into the spirit of Shavuot with these songs
- Check out jkidphilly’s Shavuot Spotify playlist!
- Our very own Lisa Litman sings about Shavuot!
There’s nothing like a PJ Library book!
PJ Library is full of wonderful Shavuot stories to share. These are some of our favorites:
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Here are some ideas from Jewish Learning Venture staff!
Alyse loves love cheesecake — especially white chocolate Oreo cheesecake.
Ashley’s family loves going out for ice cream at their local dairy farm.
char loves staying up late to learn Torah with their friends and synagogue.
One of Elana’s favorite childhood memories is having a sleepover at synagogue while her dad studied all night.
Julia grew up eating lots of blintzes on Shavuot!
Sign up for PJ Library and PJ Our Way, free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.
Newborn through age 8:
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Ages 9–12:
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