Whether you are looking for videos, crafts, explanations, or more, jkidphilly is your one-stop-shop for all things Shavuot.A cute graphic of the Torah with hands reaching up towards it.

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.)

learn

Everything you wanted to know about Shavuot — and more!

play

Crafts and games for a super Shavuot

cook

Nothing says Shavuot like a sweet bowl full of ice cream!

watch

Videos for all ages

  • Shalom Sesame teaches about Shavuot for younger kids.
  • BimBam talks about the Ten Commandments for older kids here.

listen

Get into the spirit of Shavuot with these songs

read

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:

PJ Our Way is the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9–12. PJ Our Way are chapter books or graphic novels, and kids get to choose which books they want to receive — for free! Check out the PJ Our Way website designed for kids, by kids.
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