Special Days

67: Resting on the Seventh Day of Pesach

"On the seventh day, you shall have a holy day." (Vayikra 23:8)

We are commanded to refrain from all work (with the exception of food preparation) on the seventh day of Pesach (and the eighth in chutz la'aretz).

68: Resting on Shavuos

"In the midst of that day [Shavuos], you shall have a holy day." (Vayikra 23:21)

It is a mitzvah to celebrate the holiday of Shavuos, which is fifty days after Pesach. This day is called "zeman matan Toraseinu," the day of the giving of our Torah. The world exists only due to the Jewish people's acceptance of the Torah. Once a year, on Shavuos, we renew our commitment to receiving the Torah. It is customary to stay up all night learning in order to demonstrate our love and eagerness for Torah.

Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.