Torah scroll (Photo: Envato)
Shavuot, also referred to as Pentecost, is one of the three annual Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals, alongside Passover and Sukkot. The holiday falls on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan and is named after the Hebrew word "Shavuot," meaning "weeks." This is because it marks the completion of the counting of the omer, which is a 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. The Shavuot holiday is celebrated to commemorate the Jews receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. To honor this event, it is a customary practice to study Torah all night and consume dairy foods, such as cheesecake and blintzes, during the holiday.
Shavuot is a lovely time of year for a vacation as it typically falls in the spring. In 2023, the Shavuot holiday will commence on Thursday night, May 25th and end on Saturday night, May 27th. Shavuot is one day in Israel and technically ends on Friday night and goes right into Shabbat. Everyone has a two-day chag but the second day in Israel is a regular Shabbat. This year, Shavuot goes right into Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. so it's a great time to go on vacation as Monday, May 29, 2023 is an official holiday. There are Shavuot programs for 2023 in Italy, Budapest, Prague, Morocco and Costa Rica.
- Budapest: Gaya Tours at the Ritz Carlton Budapest: Starting in Vienna with a tour of local landmarks and then on to the hotel in Budapest for the holiday. Gourmet meals, shiurim, speakers and musical davening.
- Prague: King David Kosher Hotel in Prague: Great location in the heart of the city, minyan, mikvah, kosher food and concierge service.
- Italy: Grand Hotel Michelacci - Gabicce Mare on the Adriatic Coast: Private beach, swimming pools, spa, shul and local attractions.
- Italy: MyOne Kosher Hotel in the Italian Alps: Boutique kosher hotel with heated indoor pool. Enjoy local activities, tours and attractions.
- Morocco: White & Blue at the Fairmont Taghazout Bay: Beautiful hotel on the beach with pool, activities, golf, gourmet meals and kids club.
- Morocco: Sara Tours with options at Mazagan Beach, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech: Enjoy delicious food, exciting excursions and activities.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica Kosher Adventures: Enjoy delicious meals, beautiful accommodations and insightful lectures in a breathtaking tropical setting.
- Brazil: Kosher Amazon offering the Jewish Amazon experience: Enjoy services and meals on Shavuot at the local Chabad house and amazing trips on Thursday and Sunday.
- New York: The Sleepy Hollow Resort: Amazing program featuring inspirational lectures, gourmet meals, day camp, melave malka and indoor pool.
The Shavuot 2023 program packages vary but most include all the meals, tikkun leil Shavuot (all-night learning), minyanim and lectures. There are opportunities for day trips and sightseeing depending on what city you are in for Shavuot. Most of the Shavuot hotel options have numerous on-site amenities, including golf course, spa, fitness center, private beach, kids programming and entertainment. There are programs to suit different budgets and levels of kashrut. Check out the options for Shavuot programs and choose the one that is right for you and your family.