Shavuot, known for commemorating the “Giving of the Torah,” is a significant moment in the Jewish calendar. It marks when the Jewish people entered a sacred covenant with G-d, receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. While the holiday might seem understated today, its core message holds timeless significance. The image of Moses receiving the Torah and the collective embrace of this divine gift represents a bond that transcends time and tradition.
An Inclusive Celebration for All
Shavuot embodies a profoundly inclusive celebration. It’s a time when our community—no matter our age or background—comes together in unity. I vividly remember attending a Shavuot service where everyone shared a sense of anticipation and connection, from the youngest child to the eldest member. The phrase “those who are here today and those who are not yet here” beautifully encapsulates this spirit. It reminds us of our links to the present, future generations, and those who have come before us.
Moses’ address to the people highlights this inclusivity: “atem nitzavim hayom kulchem”—“You are standing today, all of you, before the Lord your God: your leaders, your tribes, your elders and your officers, all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and the stranger who is in your camp, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water.” He emphasizes, “I am making this covenant, with its oath, not only with you who stand here with us today before the Lord our God but also with those who are not here with us today.” This sense of inclusiveness isn’t just a historical note; it’s a living principle that continues to shape our identities and relationships today.
The Awe-Inspiring Revelation on Mount Sinai
Contemplating Moses climbing Mount Sinai to receive the Torah evokes a profound sense of awe. When he returned, the people were eager to receive this divine gift. In Exodus 19:5-6, G-d promises Moses that if the Israelites adhere to His commandments, they will become a treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. This promise depends on their acceptance of G-d’s terms:
“And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if you will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Israel.'”
The Collective Embrace of Torah
A remarkable aspect of this moment is how the Torah was intended for everyone. Unlike ancient hieroglyphs reserved for a select few, the Torah was meant to be accessible to all. Moses was instructed to share it with the elders, who then passed it on to every individual in Israel. This inclusivity ensures every community member is part of this sacred tradition—a true kingdom of priests.
The Israelites’ acceptance of the Torah in the wilderness prompts reflection: Was their consent genuine, given their circumstances? Shavuot’s annual renewal reminds us of our continuous commitment to these principles.
As the mountain thundered and the people witnessed the giving of the Commandments, the experience was awe-inspiring and unifying: “All the people saw the thunder and the lightning, the sound of the horn, and the mountain smoking.”
Renewing Our Connection
Shavuot provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our connection to the Torah. Traditionally, we gather to read the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth. This year, despite pandemic restrictions, our community adapted by finding creative ways to honour the tradition. I participated in a special Torah study session, limited to a small group. Rabbi Eliyahu Gateno’s explanation of the Ten Commandments’ arrangement clarified their relevance to our daily lives.
The first tablet focuses on our relationship with G-d, addressing the importance of honouring Him, avoiding idolatry, and keeping the Sabbath. The second tablet deals with interpersonal ethics, including prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, false witness, and coveting.
Understanding the arrangement and implications of these commandments has profound significance. For example, the commandment against coveting highlights the psychological aspect of human nature, reminding us to overcome envy and cultivate contentment.
Embracing the Spirit of Shavuot
As we celebrate Shavuot, we renew our commitment to the Torah and the values that unite us. This holiday encourages reflection, study, and strengthening community bonds. By deeply engaging with these teachings, we ensure that Shavuot’s lessons resonate in our lives today and continue to guide us in the future. Whether you are Jewish or not, the principles of Shavuot offer a universal message of inclusivity, commitment, and the importance of shared values.
Footnotes:
- Generations Yet Unborn Are Watching, Sunday, September 15, 2013
- The Shadow of the Mountain: Consent and Coercion at Sinai By Gerald Blitstein
- Sefaria: Seeing sound making sense of Sinai offers a collection of the many oral Torah explications over the centuries and within our own time about seeing and hearing the voices and sounds at Sinai.