SHABBAT MEVARCHIM
Unlike usual, Av Harachamim is recited on Shabbat Mevarchim Sivan, in memory of the tragedies that occurred during this month. It is customary for the Gabbaim to arrange a Kiddush with the purpose of increasing resolutions in learning Torah, keeping Mitzvot B’hidur, and rejoicing in the completion of the Torah. According to the Shla”h Hakadosh, Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan is an auspicious time to pray for children and he made a special prayer for this.
SIVAN
Tachnun is not recited from Rosh Chodesh Sivan until after Shavuot, some however hold not to say Tachanun until the twelfth day of Sivan. One generally should not undertake a fast on these days, even for a Yahrtzeit. However, for a Taanit Chalom (a fast for a bad dream) as well as a Chattan and Kallah fast on their wedding day. Some have the custom that an Avel (within 12 months of a parent’s passing or within 30 days of a spouse, child or sibling’s passing) should not serve as the Chazzan in Shul during these days. This does not apply to one who has a Yahrzeit. Others, (including Chabad) have the custom that he should serve as the Chazzan, except of course, on Shabbat and Chag. During these days, we do not eulogize over someone who has died. Some hold that one can take a haircut from Rosh Chodesh Sivan, some hold from the first morning of the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah (i.e. Sunday). According to some, a Bar Mitzvah boy who is having his Bar Mitzvah after Rosh Chodesh Sivan may have a haircut in honor of his Bar Mitzvah beforehand. Nevertheless, according to the Chabad custom, one shouldn’t take a haircut until Erev Chag.
SHLOSHET Y’MEI HAGBALAH
From the 3rd of Sivan (Sunday June 9th) starts the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah. Many customs associated with mourning during Sefirat Haomer no longer apply from Sunday morning. Music, dancing and haircuts, are permissible. From Rosh Chodesh Sivan some hold that one can have a wedding, but most hold only from the beginning of the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah.
PREPARATIONS FOR CHAG
The Mitzvah of V’Samachta B’Chagecha on Chag entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; providing new clothing or jewelry for one’s wife according to his means; and giving candies to children. These should be arranged in advance. Prior to every Chag, we also need to remember that the Chag requirements of the needy be met. Chag is also an especially appropriate time to host guests. One should make spiritual preparations for Shavuot as well. These include learning Torah – especially the laws of Shavuot, Matan Torah, as well as increasing in Ahavat Yisrael. The Chabad custom is that during the period before Chag, one should reach out and do all within his or her power to ensure that all Jews – men, women, children and even small babies – should attend the Aseret Hadibrot on the day of Shavuot.
EREV CHAG (5TH SIVAN)
In honor of Shavuot, if one has not done so yet, one should take a haircut on Erev Chag. On Erev Shavuot, one should not donate blood, take a blood test, or undergo any procedures involving blood loss. [Of course, this prohibition does not apply in a case of Pikuach Nefesh.] For those who regularly shave or trim, it is a Mitzvah to do so on Erev Chag and there are some who are particular not to shave after Chatzot (12:38pm). Some have the custom to immerse in a Mikvah after midday, to prepare for Chag. It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s finger nails on Erev Chag, and for some who are particular, not to cut them after Chatzot (12:38pm).
Just like on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable to refrain from eating a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:11pm), in order to properly enjoy the Seudat Chag at night. However, one may snack in small quantities. Shavuot is an opportune time to enhance one’s Torah learning and make positive resolutions; to spread Torah to others; to enhance one’s adherence to daily study; and to accept upon oneself the Ol Shel Torah (yoke of Torah). The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s customary Shavuot greeting: “Kabbalat Hatorah B’Simcha ub’Pnimiyut” is loosely translated as: “May you receive the Torah joyfully and internally”.
FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE
Shulchan Aruch mentions the custom of decorating the Shul with trees (since Shavuot is the day of judgement for fruits), and flowers (to commemorate the foliage that appeared on barren Har Sinai). For various reasons, it is not the Chabad custom to decorate the Shul with trees and flowers, but this may be done at home. Flowers and decorative leaves or branches which were cut and arranged prior to Shavuot are regarded as a decoration and are not Muktzah. Therefore, when necessary, they may be moved on Shavuot. However, if some of the flowers are not yet in full bloom and exposure to additional moisture will induce them to blossom further, the vase must be moved very gently so that the water level remains constant.
When all flowers are already in full bloom and exposure to additional moisture will not induce them to blossom further, the following further leniencies apply:
- On Shavuot, one may take flowers out of the vase of water. One may also return the flowers to the same vase, as long as the original water was not changed.
- On Shavuot, one may place the flowers in a new vase that was prepared and filled with water before Chag. One may also add flowers to a vase which already has flowers from before Chag.
- On Shavuot, one may top up the water in the vase if necessary, but the ratio of the new water must be less than half of the total. One may certainly not replace the existing water.
A potted plant should not be moved due to two concerns – Muktzah and aiding plant growth. [In principle, these issues are subject to differing Halachic opinions and other variables.] If the potted plant accidentally overturns, or some soil spills out, it should be left alone. [If doing so will create a hindrance or inconvenience, a Rav should be consulted.] For practical purposes, a potted plant should generally be treated as attached to the ground. Therefore, one may not water it at all or detach any of its leaves or branches. One may not lean on a potted tree or shrub, move it with his hands even ever so slightly, place anything in its branches, or remove anything caught in its branches. Flowers, branches or leaves that were detached (regardless of the cause) on Shavuot are Muktzah. The same is true even if there is just a doubt whether it became detached on Shavuot. It goes without saying that they are Muktzah when still attached to the ground. One may smell flowers and plants on Shavuot – even if still attached to the ground (and hence Muktzah). One should remember to make the appropriate Brachah. However, one may not smell attached fruits.
CANDLE-LIGHTING
Prior to candle-lighting, one should give Tzedakah on Erev Chag for Chag itself. Candle-lighting is at 7:09pm. The Brachot are Shel Yom Tov and Shehecheyanu. [If eating out, one should ensure that some practical benefit is derived from the candles after Chag begins.] Since it is Chag, if one neglected to light at the proper time, one may – and should – light candles on Chag itself, from a pre-existing flame. When a man is required to light candles, he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he will be doing so in Kiddush. [Therefore, it is best that he lights candles right before Kiddush, so that his Shehecheyanu is linked to both.] Similarly, if a woman needs to recite her own Kiddush, she does not recite Shehecheyanu, as she already did so at candle-lighting.
