One custom in the period preceding this holiday commemorates a plague during the lifetime of Rabbi Akiva.
Some people observing this holiday choose to eat at least one dairy meal in observence of Chalav. This was the first occasion that individuals could bring Bikkurim, or first fruits, to the Temple in Jerusalem. This occasion begins on the sixth of Sivan with a reading of the Akdamut. The book of Ruth is customarily read during this holiday. One custom in the period preceding this holiday commemorates a plague during the lifetime of Rabbi Akiva. It is customary to stay up all night studying the Torah at its end, and this holiday itself ends the Counting of the Omer. Celebrating the same event as Pentecost, this is, for 10 points, name this member of the shalosh regalim, a Jewish Festival of Weeks commemorating Moses's receipt of the Ten Commandments.
Some people observing this holiday choose to eat at least one dairy meal in observence of Chalav.
Shavuot [or Shavuos]