Shavuot, or the feast of weeks, marks a culmination of a seven-week journey. The beginning of the journey was Passover, which marked our people's slavery in Egypt and subsequent liberation. The journey concludes with Shavuot, which celebrates the responsibility of freedom with the Revelation and acceptance of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

While the main feature of the Shavuot celebration, all-night Torah study is not exactly a child-centered activity, with a little innovation and creativity Shavuot can be a family-friendly holiday.

Shavuot is traditionally ushered in with a dairy meal that can be served at the beginning of the evening and then celebrate with any of the following activities listed below. Conclude the evening with cheesecake at midnight. Children love to stay up late! If you invite several families to your Shavuot home celebration, you can ask different families to be in charge of individual activities.

1. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments. Read the book, The Ten Good Rules (Kar-Ben Copies) by Susan Remick Topeck. Discuss the Ten Good Rules and then create your own "Family 10 Commandments".

2. Shavuot celebrates the bikurim, the first fruits that were brought as offerings to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Have each family member choose a fruit and together make and then enjoy a fruit salad.

3. On the morning of Shavuot, the Book of Ruth is read. Together as a family read the story together and dramatize it. For an abridged, child's version of the story of Ruth, see My Very Own Shavuot by Judyth Saypol and Madeline Wikler (Kar-Ben).

4. Shavuot celebrates the harvest in Israel. In the Torah, Israel is called a "land flowing with milk and honey." In honor of the land of Israel, make and enjoy a "milk and honey shake."

5. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. In honor of this, make your own "Family Torah". Collect photographs from important family occasions and celebrations. Put them together on a scroll of butcher paper and add narration beneath. Attach wooden dowels at either end of the scroll.

Have a Happy and Meaningful Shavuot!!

This story originally appeared on JewishFamily.com.