SHAVUT - WHY DAIRY? Rabbi Alan Ira Silver

One of the unique differences about Shavuot is the fact that we eat dairy in one or more of the meals. Among the reasons given is the fact that Torah is compared to milk and honey which is both sweet and beneficial.

There is another resemblance of Torah to milk. Just as a baby nurses from his mother and gets the best nourishment possible, so too is the Torah the best influence in our lives. When a baby nurses a little, there is only a little milk produced, but if he tries to drink a lot from his mother, the supply will increase accordingly. So too, when a person learns a little Torah, there will be a little connection between him and the Torah, but the more he learns, the more the flow of Torah will increase and he in turn will want to have more, which will continue to produce even more.

On this holiday of Shavuot, let us realize that Torah is our sustenance, just like a little baby, and let us learn a little more each day, thereby increasing the "supply" from Hashem. Teezku L'Shanim Rabot Tovot V' 'Kneemot

SHAVUOT LAWS AND CUSTOMS by Rabbi Alan Ira Silver

a) All work is forbidden on the holiday, as on Shabbat. Carrying necessary things and cooking for that day only are permitted. Taking a fire from an existing flame is permitted, but striking a match is forbidden. Lowering a flame is forbidden unless the cooking requires a lower flame. If the stove is electric, turning it on from the 'off' position is prohibited. Whether or not one may raise or lower the heat on an electric stove depends on the type of unit involved. CONSULT YOUR RABBI.

b) All Night Reading - One of the few special things we do on this holiday is to stay up the entire first night reading and studying Torah. This is to show our eagerness to accept the Torah. In many synagogues, there will be a special Tikun reading beginning at 11:00 p.m. followed by many classes on various levels. All are encouraged to attend. There is generally refreshments served to help one to stay awake the night through.. First minyan will generally follow the learning at about 4:30 A.M. In some communities, there will also be women's groups studying throughout the night.

c) Azharot - In most Sephardic communities there is a beautiful custom to read the 613 Commandments in poetic form, known as the Azharot.

d) The Book of Ruth - It is the custom in most communities to read the whole book of Ruth during the two days of Shavuot, and there will be classes given on this subject as well.

e) Yehi Shem

f) Lighting candles - On both nights of the holiday, as on Shabbat, two candles should be lit by the woman of the house. (On Shabbat some families have a custom to light more than just two candles but on holidays they light just two candles) Follow your family custom.

g) Eruv Tavshillin - We may not cook from one day of the holiday for another day of the holiday or for Shabbat. By making an Eruv Tavshillin, cooking from Friday for Shabbat becomes permissible.