Shavuot

TWO-MINUTE PREP

Count toward Shavuot (the Omer); have a dairy treat; discuss the gift of Torah.

KEY QUESTIONS

Children wonder and discover; you facilitate more than you lecture.

How does Shavuot’s timing shape how we celebrate it?
What Jewish values do we celebrate on Shavuot?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Shavuot, seven weeks after Passover, celebrates receiving the Torah at Sinai. Some study all night; many eat dairy. At Mount Zion it connects to Confirmation for older students.

WORDS TO KNOW

Shavuot — weeks
Matan Torah — giving of the Torah
Omer — the counting

KIDS OFTEN ASK

“Why count the days to Shavuot?”: To build excitement for the gift of Torah, like a countdown to something wonderful.

BY THE END, CHILDREN CAN

Children understand we may celebrate holidays differently at different life stages (e.g., Confirmation).
Children understand Shavuot as receiving the Torah.

INCLUSION & SENSITIVITY

Frame Torah as a gift belonging to every Jew equally, however they learn.

WE ARE THINKERS

Folktale. The Mountain That Was Chosen (Midrash) — humble little Sinai is chosen to receive the Torah.

Changemaker. Beruriah — a brilliant woman scholar of the Talmud — learning is for everyone.

How is receiving the Torah celebrated the same and differently at different ages?

GOES HOME THIS WEEK

“We learned Shavuot celebrates receiving the Torah. Try at home: learn something new together and enjoy a dairy treat.”