As we prepare for the beautiful Yom Tov of Shavuot together at WMA, I wanted to share a few practical halachot and important timings for this year, particularly as Shavuot leads directly into Shabbat.
PRE CHAG – THURSDAY 21 MAY
On Yom Tov we may only light from a pre existing flame. For this reason, many leave a 24 hour candle burning before Yom Tov begins, which can then be used for lighting second night candles or gas stovetops over Yom Tov.
For those who say Yizkor, it is customary to light a 48 hour Yahrzeit candle before Yom Tov which remains burning through both days of Chag.
This year, as the second day of Shavuot falls on Shabbat, an Eruv Tavshilin must be prepared on Thursday before Yom Tov in order to permit cooking and preparing on Friday for Shabbat.
One person may make the Eruv Tavshilin on behalf of the household. Traditionally, one baked and one cooked item are set aside, often a matzah and an egg. The Berachah and declaration can be found in the Machzor and should be recited whilst holding the items.
Even if you are not eating at home over Yom Tov, an Eruv Tavshilin is still required in order to light Shabbat candles. In such a case it should be made without a Berachah. If you are staying with parents or hosts over Yom Tov, you are generally included within their household and may rely on their Eruv Tavshilin.
FIRST NIGHT SHAVUOT – THURSDAY NIGHT
Many have the minhag (custom) on Shavuot night to begin Maariv only after nightfall, in order to complete the final day of Sefirat HaOmer in full. At the same time, this must be balanced with Simchat Yom Tov and ensuring the Seudah can be enjoyed by the whole family.
TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT
Please see the separate poster for full details of our communal Tikkun Leyl programme, including learning, food and guest speakers.
If you are planning to stay awake through the night and would like guidance regarding the relevant halachot, please feel free to reach out to me directly and I would be delighted to help.
SECOND NIGHT / KABBALAT SHABBAT – FRIDAY 22 MAY
Normally one may not prepare on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. However, this year, since Yom Tov leads directly into Shabbat and an Eruv Tavshilin has been made, preparations for Shabbat may be done on Friday, including cooking, heating food and laying the table.
Wishing the entire community a beautiful, uplifting and meaningful Chag filled with Torah, family, warmth and simcha.
Chazan Eitan Freilich