Discover a Jewish tradition
🌾 Shavuot for kids
Shavuot means weeks and arrives after seven weeks of counting the Omer. It is connected with the wheat harvest and, in Jewish tradition, with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
In Temple times, first fruits were brought as an offering. Modern activities often use baskets, flowers and the seven species to explore that agricultural connection. Many communities also study Torah and read the Book of Ruth.
Dairy foods are a widespread custom, though family menus vary. Make a paper fruit basket or match the Hebrew words before the holiday. Shavuot lasts one day in Israel and two in many communities abroad.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Thu, May 21, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Sat, May 23, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Thu, June 10, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Sat, June 12, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
Welcoming Shavuot
Included when welcoming the festival according to community practice.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Transliteration
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
Meaning in English
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
Traditional Hebrew wording reused from the site's blessing collection; English translation written for this page. This is a learning excerpt, not a complete service. The Hebrew spelling ה׳ stands for the divine name; follow your teacher's practice when learning aloud.
Shavuot coloring pages
Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
wheat — חיטה
basket — סל
milk — חלב
Torah — תורה
Frequently asked questions
Why are there fruit baskets in Shavuot pictures?
They recall bikkurim, the first fruits brought to the Temple. A child can learn to recognize the seven species while decorating a basket.
Can I print the Shavuot activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.