Laws of Yom Tov.

Shavuot is a Yom Tov, and the following laws apply for the following days: Beginning on Tuesday May 22, at 7:53pm, until Thursday May 24, 9:03pm

We have to light candles on Tuesday May 22 at 7:53, and Wednesday May 23 after 9:01pm.

Any work that is not allowed to be done on Shabbat should not be done on a Yom Tov (holiday), with some exceptions. Yom Tov differs from Shabbat with regard to cooking, carrying, and lighting a fire. However, these things have a special way in which you are allowed to do it in.

Cooking is allowed only if you are cooking for that day. You are not allowed to cook on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. In the Jewish calendar the day starts at night, therefore, you are not allowed to start cooking unless you have lit the candles for the second day of Yom Tov. For example, for this year, the first day of Yom Tov falls out on Tuesday night and Wednesday day. You are not allowed to cook for Wednesday dinner until you have lit the candles at 9:01pm. But if you cooked something on the first day (Tuesday) and you ate it on that day and have extra, you may eat that on the second day (Wednesday).

Carrying is allowed only if you are carrying the things that you will need. For example, if you need keys, then you can carry them. You have to make sure to use them and to carry only the key needed. Same goes for anything else that you need. Ex: food, clothing, etc. It's best if you carry with a difference, meaning not to carry the way you would everyday, but do it with a change.

Lighting a fire is allowed only if you light from a pre-existing fire. You can light the stove only if you have a pilot stove, meaning that there is a fire already burning. Extinguishing fire is forbidden. Also, once the fire is lit, the flame should not be lowered. You can only make it higher.

Laws concerning washing dishes is as follows: You are not supposed to wash dishes on the first day of Yom Tov in order to be used for the second day, just like cooking. Therefore, you can wash the dishes right before using them.

You are not allowed to carry, cook, or light a fire for a non-Jew.

Reward For Lighting.

When a woman lights for the first time, she should say the blessing of Shehecheyanu. If she doesn't have a custom to say Shecheyanu over the lights, then she should put on a new article of clothing and say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on that, and she should also have in mind the lighting for the first time.

Our sages have said that a person who makes an effort to beautify the mitzvah of kindling Shabbat lights will have sons who are great in Torah. It is a proper time after lighting for a woman to pray for her children, so that Hashem should give her sons who will shine in Torah!