Holiday Times for Washington DC
Shavuot Dates:
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Shavuot will be celebrated from Thursday May 21 - May 23.
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All night learning will take place on May 21st, and the 10 commandments will be read on May 22nd.
Shavuot Times:
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Thursday, May 21st, 2026:
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Candle-Lighting: 8:01PM
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Maariv 8:55PM
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Jewish Jeopardy: 10PM
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Friday, May 22nd, 2026:
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Morning Services: 10:00AM
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10 Commandments followed by Dairy Kiddush 11AM
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Holy Hour Happy Hour 5:30
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Mincha 6:50PM
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Kabbalat Shabbat 7PM
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Light Candles at 8:02PM (From a pre-existing flame
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Shavuot Guide
2026/5786
What is Shavuot?
The word Shavuot (or Shavuos) means “weeks.” It celebrates the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot.
The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai on Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah.
The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G‑d and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means “oaths,” for on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him. Learn more about the giving of the Torah and what it means to us today.
Shavuot Resources
Jewish Jeopardy
Join us for the festival of Shavuot!
Enjoy a delicious dessert buffet and compete in our famous Jewish Jeopardy!
RSVP (complimentary) required below.
All-Night Learning
It is customary to stay up for the duration of the night of Shavuot.
Following Jewish Jeopardy, join us for interesting classes, exciting games and of course coffee, dessert, and snacks as we learn through the night.
Classes:
"Faith & Feeds" Jewish Identity In The Social Media Era
By Aaron Parnas
"Torah Through The Ages" Then, Now, and Moving Forward
By Rabbi Levi Shemtov
Senior Rabbi, TheSHUL
"Ascetics & Academics" The Odyssey and Challenges of Torah in Academia Then, Now, and Moving Forward
By Rabbi Berel Feldman
Campus Rabbi, Harvard Chabad
Hear the 10 commandments!
We are required to hear the 10 commandments as they are read from the Torah. The 10 commandments will be read Monday morning at approximately 11AM Followed by a delicious dairy buffet Kiddush!