Trees and Flowers

Parsha Halacha | June 27, 2025

It is customary in many communities to decorate one’s home and synagogue with greenery and flowers to commemorate the joy of receiving the Torah at which time Mount Sinai was covered with foliage and greenery.
In addition, it is customary in many communities to also put trees in the homes and synagogues. This reminds us that we are judged regarding fruits of the tree on this holiday and that we must pray for blessing in this regard. Some say that this custom should not be followed as it is reminiscent of a holiday of a different religion. (It’s noteworthy that in 770 Eastern parkway, the shul of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, they didn’t/don’t put out flowers and trees on Shavuot.)
Flowers are not considered muktzah as they have been designated for decorative use. One may not, however, put them into water on Yom Tov if this may cause them to open which is akin to planting. One may, however, add water to the water that is already in the vase or place flowers that will not open into water that is already prepared from before Yom Tov. On Shabbat, one may not add water to flowers even if they are already in a vase.

It is customary in many communities to decorate one’s home and synagogue with greenery and flowers to commemorate the joy of receiving the Torah at which time Mount Sinai was covered with foliage and greenery.
In addition, it is customary in many communities to also put trees in the homes and synagogues. This reminds us that we are judged regarding fruits of the tree on this holiday and that we must pray for blessing in this regard. Some say that this custom should not be followed as it is reminiscent of a holiday of a different religion. (It’s noteworthy that in 770 Eastern parkway, the shul of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, they didn’t/don’t put out flowers and trees on Shavuot.)
Flowers are not considered muktzah as they have been designated for decorative use. One may not, however, put them into water on Yom Tov if this may cause them to open which is akin to planting. One may, however, add water to the water that is already in the vase or place flowers that will not open into water that is already prepared from before Yom Tov. On Shabbat, one may not add water to flowers even if they are already in a vase.

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