Shavu'ot is the Festival of Weeks and is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance. The other two are Passover (commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. ) and Sukkot (A festival commemorating the wandering in the desert and the final harvest. ).

Agriculturally, Shavu'ot commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim. Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

It is up to each faculty member to decide whether or not to assign a reading day for classes held on a Jewish holiday. Students should refer to their course syllabus or contact their instructor for guidance.