How to Prepare for Shavuot: Spiritual Growth, Torah Learning, and Meaningful Prayer

The days leading up to the holiday of Shavuot are days of special preparation, spiritual elevation and purification. The spiritual energy that descended into the world at the time of the giving of the Torah returns every year on the same date. It is therefore vital to prepare ourselves, so that we become fitting vessels for receiving the holy Torah.

In the book Chemdat Yamim (Shavuot, Chapter 1), it is written about these special pre-Shavuot days: “During these days, one should not allow their mind to drift from the scene at Mount Sinai. One should imagine how the people of Israel stood in purity and separation as they faced the mountain—standing before G-d in awe, fear, and trembling—because the Lord descended upon it with tens of thousands of angels...Remembering this can awaken reverence in the heart, prompting one to sanctify themselves even in that which is permitted, to act as though they themselves are standing at that very event. One should not veer left or right into worldly distractions, and should make Torah study a fixed priority and other matters temporary from Rosh Chodesh Sivan until the sixth of the month, even if they don’t usually live this way. Then they will merit Divine assistance to cast off the impurities of the ‘serpent’ and receive added holiness, just as our holy ancestors did at this time. Fortunate is the person who acts in holiness and purity during these six days—such a person will receive an added spiritual light, deepening their awe of the Almighty.”

Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe once hung a note in his yeshiva, sharing a spiritual segulah (practice for merit) that he had received from his teacher, Rabbi Shmuel Charkover. It said that the three days before Shavuot—the Three Days of Separation (Shloshet Yemei Hagbalah)—are days of tremendous spiritual potential. Rabbi Wolbe wrote:
“I received from my teacher and mentor, Rabbi Shmuel Charkover that the three days before Shavuot are auspicious days. One who learns Torah during them with great diligence, without wasting even a moment, will merit success in Torah learning for the entire year. He told me this is written in the holy books.” (From “Letters and Writings of Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe,” Letter 228)

Shavuot – A Holiday of Torah Learning

On Shavuot—the day the Torah was given—we receive the spiritual light of that momentous event at Mount Sinai. Each person has the opportunity to receive their personal portion of Torah.

The Sfat Emet writes: “On Shavuot, each person is judged according to the connection they maintained with Torah throughout the year...On this day, the Jewish people receive a renewed portion of Torah for the coming year, and that renewal depends entirely on each individual’s preparation.”

Shavuot is a sort of "day of judgment" for our spiritual lives. Each person receives their own Divine light and unique portion in the Torah based on how they’ve prepared. The custom to stay up all night learning Torah on Shavuot, serves as a declaration of our desire to receive our share and to merit a deeper bond with the Torah.

A Day for Prayer and Request

Shavuot is also the Yahrtzeit (day of birth and passing) of King David, which is why it is customary to read and study Psalms on this day. Since this is a day of spiritual judgment, it’s also an opportune time to pray for spiritual matters, both for yourself and for others.

Take advantage of this day to pray for:

• Personal spiritual growth

• Complete repentance

• Closeness to G-d

• Becoming a better and more refined Jew

• Doing G-d’s will with joy

• Success in Torah, mitzvot, and good deeds

Above all, pray for the Final Redemption, and that we all merit the rebuilding of our glorious Temple in Jerusalem, speedily in our days.