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Modern observances
A synagogue sanctuary decked out
in greenery in honor of Shavuot
Shavuot is
unlike other Jewish holidays in that it has no
prescribed mitzvot (Torah commandments) other than
the traditional festival observances of abstention
from work, special prayer services and holiday
meals. However, it is characterized by many
minhagim (customs). A mnemonic for these customs
is the letters of the Hebrew word acharit (אחרית,
"last"). Since the Torah is called reishit (ראשית,
"first"), the customs of Shavuot highlight the
importance of custom for the continuation and
preservation of Jewish religious observance. These
customs, largely observed in Ashkenazic
communities, are:
אקדמות – Akdamut, the
reading of a liturgical poem during Shavuot
morning synagogue services
חלב – Chalav (milk),
the consumption of dairy products like milk and
cheese
רות – Ruth, the reading of the Book of
Ruth at morning services
ירק – Yerek, the
decoration of homes and synagogues with greenery
תורה – Torah, engaging in all-night Torah study. |