HALAKHOT (LAWS) AND MINHAGIM (CUSTOMS) FOR SHAVUOT ACCORDING TO ASHKENAZI AND SEPHARDIC COMMUNITIES
Table of Contents
- Decorating the Shul with Greenery
- Reciting Ma’ariv and Kiddush After Nightfall
- Lighting Candles for Yom Tov
- Kiddush for Shavuot
- Customs Around Eating Dairy
- Staying Up All Night – Tikkun Leil Shavuot
- Prayers and Additions to the Liturgy
- Reading Megillat Rut
- Yizkor
- Minhagim: Ashkenazim vs. Sephardim
- Resources and Further Reading
Shavuot, also known as the Festival of Weeks, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It marks the culmination of the seven-week counting of the Omer and is one of the Shalosh Regalim (Three Pilgrimage Festivals). The day is also known as Zeman Matan Torateinu, the time of the giving of our Torah.
Decorating the Shul with Greenery
There is a widespread custom to decorate the synagogue with greenery and plants in honor of Shavuot. One of the primary explanations for this custom is that Mount Sinai, though located in the desert, miraculously bloomed with greenery when the Torah was given.
ASHKENAZI CUSTOM:
- Common in many communities, though some omit it following the view of the Vilna Gaon, who opposed the custom due to concerns about its resemblance to non-Jewish practices.
SEPHARDIC CUSTOM:
- Not universally practiced, but observed in some communities and supported by many halakhic authorities as a permitted and established Jewish custom.
Reciting Ma’ariv and Kiddush After Nightfall
- While Shabbat is often accepted early during the summer months, it is customary on Shavuot to wait until after nightfall to recite Ma’ariv and Kiddush, in order to complete the full count of the 49 days of the Omer—temimot (“complete”) as stated in Vayikra 23:15.
- This is a commonly followed custom in both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, though it is not strictly required according to most halakhic opinions. Local custom and rabbinic guidance may vary.
Lighting Candles for Yom Tov
Candles are lit on Yom Tov, just as they are for Shabbat, though there are a few important differences, especially in terms of timing and the berakhot (blessings).
Timing
- First Night: Candles may be lit before sunset, as on Shabbat, or after nightfall. Many women light before sunset.
- Second Night (Diaspora): Candles must be lit after nightfall.
- Unlike Shabbat, it is permitted on Yom Tov to light candles using a flame that was lit before Yom Tov began. One may transfer fire from an existing flame for lighting candles (and other permitted purposes) but may not create a new flame (e.g., by striking a match or using a lighter).
Berakhot (blessings)
YOM TOV
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱ- לֹהינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב
Barukh Ata Ado- nai, Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Yom Tov.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Yom Tov.
SHEHECHIYANU
- Recited either at candle lighting or during Kiddush.
- Also recited on the second night in the Diaspora, as it is treated as a separate Yom Tov day.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱ- לֹהינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Barukh Ata Ado- nai, Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, shehechiyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu lazeman ha’zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
How to Recite the Berakha
ASHKENAZIM:
- The accepted custom is to recite the candle-lighting berakha before lighting. There is no custom to cover the eyes, since kindling is permitted on Yom Tov. However, some communities, such as Chabad, follow the Shabbat practice of lighting first, covering the eyes, and then reciting the berakha.
SEPHARDIM:
- The berakha is recited before lighting, and there is no custom to cover the eyes.
When to Recite Shehechiyanu
ASHKENAZIM:
- Most women recite Shehechiyanu at candle lighting, though some fulfill it during Kiddush.
SEPHARDIM:
- Some recite Shehechiyanu at candle lighting, while others fulfill it during Kiddush.
Kiddush for Shavuot
Kiddush recited on Shavuot night is similar to Friday night Kiddush, but with key differences:
- Vayekhulu is omitted.
- Shehechiyanu is added at the end.
Some people stand for Kiddush, while others sit. In either case, one should sit when drinking the wine.
Pick up the cup of wine or grape juice and recite the following blessings:
Shavuot Night Kiddush
BOREI PRI HAGAFEN
- Sephardim often recite the following introductory text before the first blessing:
אֵלֶּה מוֹעֲדֵי אֲ- דֹנָי מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ, אֲשֶׁר תִּקְרְאוּ אֹתָם בְּמוֹעֲדָם
וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶת מוֹעֲדֵי אֲ- דֹנָי אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
Eleh mo’adei Ado- nai mikra’ei kodesh, asher tikre’u otam bemo’adam. Vayedaber Moshe et mo’adei Ado- nai el Bnei Yisrael.
These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at their appropriate time. And Moshe told the children of Israel the appointed times of the Lord.
- All begin the Kiddush with the blessing on the wine:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱ- לֹהינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן
Barukh Ata Ado- nai Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, borei pri hagafen.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
KIDDUSH FOR YOM TOV
- The text of the second and third blessings is nearly identical for Ashkenazim and Sephardim, with the differences noted below.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בָּנוּ מִכָּל עָם, וְרוֹמְמָנוּ מִכָּל לָשׁוֹן, וְקִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו. וְתָּתֵן לָנוּ אֲ- דֹנָי אֱ- לֹהינוּ בְּאַהֲבָה מוֹעֲדִים לְשִׂמְחָה, חַגִּים וּזְמַנִּים לְשָׂשׂוֹן. אֶת יוֹם חַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת הַזֶּה [ספרדים מוסיפים: וְאֶת יוֹם טוֹב מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה] – זְמַן מַתַּן תּוֹרָתֵנוּ – [ספרדים מוסיפים: בְּאַהֲבָה] מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ, זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם. כִּי בָנוּ בָחַרְתָּ וְאוֹתָנוּ קִדַּשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, וּמוֹעֲדֵי קָדְשְׁךָ בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְשָׂשׂוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים
Barukh Ata Ado- nai Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, asher bachar banu mikol am, veromemanu mikol lashon, vekideshanu bemitzvotav. Vatiten lanu Ado- nai Elo- heinu be’ahava mo’adim lesimcha, chagim uzemanim lesason. Et yom chag ha’Shavuot ha’zeh [Sephardim add: ve’et yom tov mikra kodesh ha’zeh] – zeman matan Torateinu – [Sephardim add: be’ahava] mikra kodesh, zekher litziyat Mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta ve’otanu kidashta mikol ha’amim, umo’adei kodshekha besimcha uvesason hinchaltanu. Barukh Ata Ado- nai, mekadesh Yisrael vehazemanim.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has chosen us from all peoples and exalted us above all tongues and sanctified us with His commandments. And You, Lord our God, have lovingly given us festivals for joy, holidays and seasons for gladness—this day of the Festival of Shavuot [Sephardim add: This Yom Tov day, a holy convocation], the time of the giving of our Torah— [Sephardim add: with love] a holy convocation, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. For You chose us and sanctified us from all the nations and gave us Your holy festivals in joy and gladness as a heritage. Blessed are You, Lord, who sanctifies Israel and the festive seasons.
SHEHECHIYANU
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Barukh Ata Ado- nai Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, shehechiyanu, vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu lazeman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Drink at least a cheekful of wine or grape juice. Those who stood for Kiddush should now sit to drink.
Kiddush for Shavuot Day
The daytime Kiddush follows the standard Yom Tov Kiddush, as recited on Pesach and Sukkot, and is used by both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities (some Sephardim add the paragraph in the middle):
TEXT
אֵלֶּה מוֹעֲדֵי אֲ- דֹנָי מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ, אֲשֶׁר תִּקְרְאוּ אֹתָם בְּמוֹעֲדָם
וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶת מוֹעֲדֵי אֲ- דֹנָי אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
חלק מהספרדים מוסיפים: [ שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים בַּשָּׁנָה, יֵרָאֶה כָל זְכוּרְךָ אֶת פְּנֵי אֲ- דֹנָי אֱלֹהֶיךָ בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחָר: בְּחַג הַמַּצּוֹת, וּבְחַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת, וּבְחַג הַסֻּכּוֹת; וְלֹא יֵרָאֶה אֶת פְּנֵי אֲ- דֹנָי רֵיקָם. אִישׁ כְּמַתְּנַת יָדוֹ, כְּבִרְכַּת אֲ- דֹנָי אֱלֹהֶיךָ, אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָךְ]
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ- דֹנָי, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן
Eleh mo’adei Ado- nai mikra’ei kodesh, asher tikre’u otam bemo’adam.
Vayedaber Moshe et mo’adei Ado- nai el Bnei Yisrael.
- [Some Sephardim add: Shalosh pe’amim bashana, yeira’eh kol zechurekha et penei Hashem E- lohekha bamakom asher yivchar: bechag ha’matzot, uvechag ha’shavuot, uvechag ha’sukkot; velo yeira’eh et penei Hashem reikam. Ish kematnat yado, kebirkat Hashem E- lohekha asher natan lakh.]
Barukh Ata Ado- nai Elo- heinu Melekh ha’olam, borei pri hagafen.
These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at their appropriate time. And Moshe told the children of Israel the appointed times of the Lord.
- [Some Sephardim add: Three times a year, all your males shall appear before Hashem your God in the place that He will choose: on the Festival of Matzot, on the Festival of Shavuot, and on the Festival of Sukkot. They shall not appear before Hashem empty-handed. Each person shall give in accordance with the blessing that Hashem your God has given you.]
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Customs Around Eating Dairy
Eating dairy is a popular custom on Shavuot, though it is practiced in a variety of ways across different communities.
Reasons Given
- After receiving the Torah, Bnei Yisrael became obligated in kashrut. Since they couldn’t use their meat utensils or prepare kosher meat immediately, they ate dairy instead.
- To commemorate the shetei ha’lechem (two loaves) offered in the Temple, some eat a dairy meal and then a meat meal, using separate bread for each.
- The Torah is compared to milk—just as milk nourishes the body, Torah nourishes the soul (Shir Ha’shirim 4:11).
Har Sinai is called “har gavnunim” (Tehillim 68:16), a name associated with white cheese, symbolizing purity and divine revelation.
MINHAGIM
Both Ashkenazim and Sephardim have varying customs concerning eating dairy on Shavuot.
- Some (mostly Ashkenazim) eat only dairy meals on Shavuot.
- Others eat a dairy meal followed by a meat meal, or begin the day with dairy and have a full meat meal later.
- Some eat both dairy and meat at the same meal, starting with dairy and then switching to meat with proper halakhic separation.
- Some eat only meat meals, in accordance with the halakhic preference to honor Yom Tov with meat.
FOR THOSE WHO EAT BOTH DAIRY AND MEAT:
- Dairy should be eaten before meat.
- One must rinse the mouth and eat a pareve food between them.
- According to many poskim, hard cheeses (such as aged Parmesan or cheddar) may require a six-hour wait before eating meat. These cheeses are considered “hard” if they are aged or sharp in a way that causes a lingering taste. For more information about waiting after hard cheese and examples of specific cheeses, see Resources and Further Reading Section below.
- Some follow the Zohar, which teaches that one should wait a full hour between eating any dairy and then meat.
Staying Up All Night – Tikkun Leil Shavuot
There is a widespread custom to stay up all night on Shavuot engaged in Torah study.
Reasons:
- According to the Midrash, Bnei Yisrael overslept on the morning of Matan Torah, and staying up all night serves as a tikkun (rectification) for that.
- Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen explains that they sought prophetic closeness to Hashem in their sleep; we emulate that closeness today through Torah study.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Many recite a structured compilation of Torah passages, Nevi’im, Ketuvim, Mishna, and Zohar—known as the Tikkun Leil Shavuot—compiled by the kabbalists of Tzfat.
SEPHARDIM:
- This custom is widespread and typically followed in full, especially in communities influenced by Kabbala.
ASHKENAZIM:
- Some follow the printed Tikkun, while others learn in chavruta (with study partners), attend shiurim, or study topics of personal interest throughout the night.
Morning Blessings for Those Who Stayed Up All Night
- One who stays up all night faces a unique situation regarding the morning blessings. Many of the Birkot Ha’shachar were originally instituted in response to specific actions (e.g., waking, washing hands, putting on clothing), and there is discussion about whether they should still be recited if one did not sleep.
What to Do:
- Ideal practice: If possible, one should hear all the blessings recited by someone who slept and respond “Amen.”
- If no one is available who slept even briefly, one may follow the guidance below:
NETILAT YADAYIM (Handwashing Blessing):
- There is a debate whether this blessing should be recited without sleep.
- Many authorities recommend washing without a berakha, unless one used the restroom beforehand.
- If the person used the restroom, they may wash and recite Asher Yatzar and Netilat Yadayim with a berakha.
ASHER YATZAR (After Using the Bathroom):
- Recited as usual, regardless of whether one slept, provided the person used the restroom.
ELOKAI NESHAMA (Morning Blessing of Gratitude for the Soul):
- Some authorities allow it to be recited even without sleep.
- Others require hearing it from someone who slept.
Many follow the lenient opinion and say it personally.
BIRKOT HA'SHACHAR (Morning Blessings):
- These blessings (e.g., Matir Asurim, Zokef Kefufim, etc.) are generally recited even without sleep, as they are blessings of praise for daily experiences shared by all.
BIRKOT HA’TORAH (Blessings on Torah Study):
- This is the most debated.
- Lenient view: May be said personally, even without sleep.
-
- Strict view: Should only be said by someone who slept and heard by others who didn’t.
- Strict view: Should only be said by someone who slept and heard by others who didn’t.
- Many follow the lenient position and recite them personally, particularly if they had a brief nap during the day before.
Prayers and Additions to the Liturgy
Special Insertions
- Ya’aleh Veyavo in Amida
- Musaf: Mentions Shavuot-specific korbanot
AKDAMUT (Aramaic piyut praising Torah and the Jewish people)
- Ashkenazim: Recite before Torah reading on Day 1.
- Sephardim: Generally do not say Akdamut, but may have alternative piyyutim.
TORAH READING
- From Parashat Yitro, including the Ten Commandments.
- Ashkenazim: Standing during the Ten Commandments
- Sephardim: Some Sephardi poskim discourage this, to avoid implying parts of the Torah are more important.
- Trope (cantillation): Two versions of cantillation exist; most communities use the ta’am elyon (special tune for public reading).
SECOND DAY (Diaspora)
- The tefilla structure on the second day is essentially the same as the first: the same Amida and Musaf are recited.
- Akdamut is not repeated on the second day.
- The Torah reading and Haftara are different:
- Torah reading comes from Devarim.
- The Haftara is from Chavakuk, and some communities recite the poetic Yetziv Pitgam before the Haftara.
Reading Megillat Rut
- It is customary to read Megillat Rut on Shavuot.
SEPHARDIC CUSTOM:
- Practices vary. Some communities read Megillat Rut publicly during services, others include it in the Tikkun Leil Shavuot, while some do not observe this custom at all.
ASHKENAZI CUSTOM:
- Megillat Rut is typically read on Shavuot morning, either before Shacharit (especially by those who stayed up all night) or before the Torah reading.
When Is It Read?
IN ISRAEL
- Megillat Rut is read typically in the early morning or before the Torah reading.
IN THE DIASPORA (where Shavuot is two days):
- It is customarily read on the second day before the Torah reading.
REASONS FOR THE CUSTOM
- The story takes place during the harvest season, which aligns with Shavuot.
- David Ha’melekh, a descendant of Ruth, was born and died on Shavuot.
Yizkor (Memorial Prayer for the Departed)
- Yizkor is recited on Shavuot in honor of the souls of deceased loved ones, with many also pledging tzedaka on their behalf.
- In the Diaspora, Yizkor is recited on the second day.
- Sephardic Custom: Yizkor is not recited in Sephardic communities.
Minhagim: Ashkenazim vs. Sephardim
Topic | Ashkenazim | Sephardim |
Dairy Meals | Customs vary between full dairy, full meat, split meals, or dairy and meat at the same meal. | Customs vary between full meat, split meals, or dairy and meat at the same meal. |
Tikkun Leil Shavuot | Many study all night; some follow the full Tikkun Leil Shavuot; others learn freely or attend shiurim | Many study all night, generally follow the full Tikkun Leil Shavuot |
Akdamut | Recited before Torah reading on the first day | Generally not recited |
Megillat Rut | Publicly read, often before Shacharit or before Torah reading | Practice varies; some read privately, in Tikkun, or not at all |
| Standing for Aseret Ha’dibrot | Common custom | Often discouraged by poskim |
Greenery in Shul | Widespread (except among those who follow the Vilna Gaon) | Not universal; some do, many do not, but it is halakhically permitted |
Yizkor | Generally recited; in the Diaspora, recited on the second day | Generally not recited in Sephardic communities |
| Candle Lighting – Shehechiyanu | Most recite at candle lighting; some wait for Kiddush | Some recite at candle lighting; some wait for Kiddush |
Resources and Further Reading
Deepen your understanding of Shavuot through these trusted and diverse resources. Each one offers a distinct lens—halakhic, experiential, or educational—to support your preparation and observance.
CORE REFERENCE GUIDES
- Halachipedia – Shavuot
A concise, well-organized summary of halakhic topics and customs related to Shavuot—ideal for quick reference and clarity.
- Chabad Shavuot Guide
An engaging and spiritually rich exploration of Shavuot customs and history, with a Chassidic lens. - YUTorah Online – Rabbi Hershel Schachter: Practical Halachot for Shavuot
A clear, detailed shiur covering practical halakhot for Shavuot, including topics like staying up all night, Birkot Ha’shachar, and eating dairy. - Shavuos Handbook – Ohr Somayach
A collection of brief essays on the laws, customs, and deeper meanings of Shavuot—ideal for learners at all levels.
Focused Topics & Customs
DECORATING THE SHUL
Explore the halakhic sources, symbolic meanings, and diverse minhagim behind the custom of decorating the synagogue with flowers and greenery.
BEGINNING SHAVUOT EARLY
Understand the halakhic background behind the widespread custom to delay Ma’ariv and Kiddush until nightfall on Shavuot, in order to complete the full count of the Omer.
EATING DAIRY ON SHAVUOT
Explore the wide range of reasons for eating dairy on Shavuot, along with practical halakhic guidance on aged cheeses, waiting times, and meat-dairy separation.
STAYING UP ALL NIGHT
Learn about the origins, purpose, and halakhic considerations of staying up all night to study Torah on Shavuot—including variations in Tikkun customs and morning berakhot.
READING MEGILLAT RUT
Explore the themes of kindness, conversion, and destiny in Megillat Rut, and understand why this scroll is so deeply connected to Shavuot.
YIZKOR
Explore the origins, structure, and minhagim of reciting Yizkor on Shavuot, particularly on the second day in the Diaspora. These sources offer both halakhic context and insight into the meaning behind this solemn memorial prayer.