Shavuot Greeting

The count up to Shavuot is almost complete. Every night since Pessach, Jews around the globe have been counting the days and weeks of the Omer. To what end? Our identity, destiny and spiritual life are inextricably intertwined with the Holy Torah. Without the momentous occasion of Kabbalas Hatorah on Har Sinai, the world would have reverted back to its original primordial state.

The Rambam in Yesodei Hatorah 8:1 writes: “What is the source of our belief in him? The [revelation] at Mount Sinai. Our eyes saw, and not a stranger's. Our ears heard, and not another's. There was fire, thunder, and lightning…[Exodus 19:9] states: "Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people will hear Me speaking to you, [so that] they will believe in you forever." It appears that before this happened, they did not believe in him with a faith that would last forever, but rather with a faith that allowed for suspicions and doubts.”

In other words, the great revelation that took place on the Holiday of Shavuot served to remove any doubt of Hashem’s existence. Our Rabbis teach us every precious soul that would one day be inserted into a body, was present at Har Sinai. This year let us all come together, body and soul to reaffirm our unshakeable faith and belief in Hashem and His Torah. By doing so we are choosing a path of meaningful existence. The Torah teaches וּבָֽחַרְתָּ֙ בַּחַיִּ֔ים לְמַ֥עַן תִּֽחְיֶ֖ה אַתָּ֥ה וְזַרְעֶֽךָ Therefore choose life in order that you and your descendants will live.

Our adherence to and observance of the Torah is the true life we should all strive for. I look forward to seeing you in shul as we recreate the Har Sinai experience in the Torah reading on Friday!

Chag Samaech!

Rabbi Evan Shore