Hebrew words for Shavuot

A list of typical terms for the Jewish Feast of Weeks

Megillat Ruth (מגילת רות)

Megillat Ruth is the biblical Book of Ruth, traditionally read on Shavuot. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who converts to Judaism. The story symbolizes the Jewish people's acceptance of the Torah and is therefore perfectly fitting for the Feast of Revelation.

Ugat Gvinah (עוגת גבינה)

Ugat Gwina means "cheesecake" and is a popular dish on Shavuot. The custom of eating dairy products on this holiday dates back to various traditions. One explanation is that the Torah is compared to milk—nourishing and sweet. That's why we enjoy delicious cheesecake on Shavuot!

Atseret (עצרת)

Atzeret means assembly. Shavuot is also called Atzeret because it marks the end of the Omer counting. It is a day on which the people come together to celebrate the revelation of the Torah and to learn together.

Omer (עומר)

The Omer is a unit of measurement for grain and refers to the Omer counting. This 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot is counted daily. It symbolizes the spiritual preparation of the people of Israel for the reception of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Har Sinai (הר סיני)

Har Sinai is the Hebrew name for Mount Sinai. This mountain plays a central role in Jewish history, as it is traditionally the site of the revelation of the Torah. On Shavuot, we remember and celebrate this important event.

Chag Matan Torah (חג מתן תורה)

Chag Matan Torah means "Festival of the Revelation of the Torah." This is another name for Shavuot, emphasizing its central importance. On this day, we celebrate the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai, an event that forever shaped the Jewish people.

Egel Massecha (עגל מסכה)

Egel Masecha means "golden calf." Although it has no direct connection to Shavuot, it recalls the challenges the people of Israel faced after receiving the Torah. It teaches us that accepting the Torah is an ongoing process.

Chag Ha'katzir (חג הקציר)

Chag Ha'katzir means "Thanksgiving." Shavuot also has agricultural significance, marking the beginning of the wheat harvest in Israel. This reminds us that the Torah encompasses both spiritual and practical aspects of life.

Asseret Ha'dibrot (עשרת הדיברות)

Asseret Ha'dibrot are the Ten Commandments. They form the core of the Torah and, according to tradition, were revealed on Shavuot. On this holiday, we read and study them particularly intensively in order to internalize their timeless wisdom.

Sfirat Ha'omer (ספירת העומר)

Sefirat Ha'omer refers to the Omer counting, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. Blessings are recited every evening and the days are counted. This time serves as spiritual preparation for receiving the Torah.

Motsrei Chalav (מוצרי חלב)

Motzrei Chalav means "dairy products." On Shavuot, it is customary to eat dairy foods. This reminds us that the Torah is often compared to milk—nourishing, pure, and sweet. Many families enjoy delicious cheese dishes and dairy desserts on this day.

More

Moreh means "teacher." Shavuot is a celebration of learning and teaching. We honor our teachers who imparted the wisdom of the Torah to us. At the same time, this term reminds us that we can all be both students and teachers when it comes to the Torah.

Lilmod Torah (ללמוד תורה)

Lilmod Torah means "learning the Torah." This is a central aspect of Shavuot. Many people spend the entire night studying the Torah, a tradition known as "Tikkun Leil Shavuot." It symbolizes our enthusiasm and devotion to the teachings of the Torah.

Beit Knesset (בית כנסת)

Beit Knesset is the Hebrew word for synagogue. On Shavuot, many Jews gather in the synagogue to pray together, hear the Ten Commandments, and celebrate the revelation at Sinai. The synagogue is often decorated with flowers and greenery to evoke the blooming Mount Sinai.

Esh (אש)

Esh means "fire." Fire plays an important role in the description of the revelation at Sinai. It symbolizes the intensity and power of the divine presence. On Shavuot, we remember this fiery event and strive to ignite our own spiritual flame.

Am Israel (עם ישראל)

Am Israel means "the people of Israel." On Shavuot, we remember how the Jewish people became a nation at Mount Sinai through the reception of the Torah. The term emphasizes the unity and common destiny of the Jewish people, which is strengthened by the Torah.

Israel (ישראל)

Israel refers to both the land and the people. On Shavuot, we celebrate the spiritual connection between the people of Israel, the Land of Israel, and the Torah. It reminds us that the Torah is not only a spiritual but also a practical concept for life in the Land of Israel.

Ra'am (רעם)

Ra'am means "thunder." According to tradition, the revelation at Sinai was accompanied by thunder and lightning. The term reminds us of the overwhelming experience of divine revelation and invites us to feel the power and vitality of the Torah today.

Kriat Torah (קריאת תורה)

Kriat Torah means "Torah reading." On Shavuot, the section on the revelation at Sinai and the Ten Commandments is read in the synagogue. This public reading brings the experience of receiving the Torah to life anew each year.

Ivrit (עברית)

Hebrew is the Hebrew language. On Shavuot, we celebrate not only the content of the Torah, but also its language. Studying the Torah in its original language deepens our understanding and connection to this sacred text.

Words about Shavuot | 20 cards

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