As we prepare for the upcoming holiday of Shavuos, we remember that Shavuos is a celebration of the great day when the Jewish nation joined together like one person, with one heart, to accept the Torah.
What is it about the Torah that is so special? Why is this day so seminal in Jewish history that we celebrate it every year? We know the exodus from Egypt was only a preface to this great day.
As Moses asked pharaoh, “Let us go, we pray thee, three days journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice unto the Lord our G-d.” (Shemos Chapt. 5) The sages tell us that G-d took the Torah to all the nations of the world and asked them if they would accept it. One nation asked, “What does it say in it?” G-d replies, “Do not steal.” The nation replied, “We can’t uphold that. Sorry, we would not accept the Torah.” G-d asked each nation of the world, and they all rejected the Torah. (Midrash Sifrei Devarim 33:2) Finally, he came to the Jewish nation, and they accepted it whole-heartedly saying, “We will follow it and study it.” The Jewish nation at that point became unified as one with G-d and his Torah. The sages tell us that one who helps another is showing his love to G-d. We are one.
How is this special relationship pertinent today? The Torah is as relevant today as it was 3,328 years ago when it was given. The Jewish nation has not changed since its creation. Opportunities to help another as well as chances for personal growth are still the same. The Torah, which is part of us, is our guide to be a light upon the nations of the world. It’s all in the Torah.
The sages tell us that we should study the ways of forefathers, stating, “When will my actions reach the same level as the actions our forefathers.”(Tana devai Eliyahu Drabah Chap. 25) For example, Abraham and his wife Sara dedicated their lives to help others.
While Abraham was sick he sat by his front door waiting for the opportunity to invite someone in from the extreme heat. Sara was ready at moment’s notice to help another guest.
We have a responsibility to ourselves to study and learn the ways of our forefathers in the Torah and apply what we learn from their actions to our lives. This will show future generations what it means to live a Torah-true life. Let us not hide the most precious jewel that we have. Let us reconnect with it.
Let us bring into our lives and to the world more happiness, hope and purpose. With the Torah, we can accomplish just that. Have a great Yom Tov with your families and an enjoyable summer.
Rabbi Dovid Brafman is director of development at Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study, 3288 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee.
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