And Receiving The Torah Every Day

The Torah talks about the holidays in a number of different portions (Mishpatim, Ki Tisa, Emor, Pinchas, and Re’eh). Each place concentrates on different aspects of the holidays. The festivals are described in relation to the agricultural times of the year that they are celebrated. They are also described related to events in our nation’s history that they commemorate. We are also taught about the mitzvot that we must do on each holiday. Pesach is connected to the Exodus from Egypt, and we remember this event by eating matzah. Sukkot is connected to the historical time when our nation dwelled in booths on our way from Egypt to the Holy land and that is why we sit in sukkot (Vayikra 23:42-43).

So what historical event does the Torah mention in connection to the mitzvah of the holiday of Shavuot? It seems unusual that we do not find a mention of the historical significance of Shavuot in the Torah. As well, the Torah doesn’t mention any symbolic action that is connected to the holiday (like the sukka and lulav on sukkot or matza on Pesach ) for Shavuot.

Rabbi Yitchak Arama in his book Akedat Yitchak ( Sha’ar 67, 5) asks why doesn’t the Torah state explicitly that on Shavuot we celebrate the revelation of God that happened on the mountain of Sinai? Why doesn’t the Torah say that on Shavuot we remember that on this day God gave the Torah to His nation?

Rav Arama gives an answer to his question stating that the acquisition of the Torah is a timeless mitzvah, not just a one-time event. It is therefore different from the celebration of the Exodus from Egypt, and the dwelling in sukkot in the desert. Matan Torah is an ongoing process that continues throughout the generations. This we learn from the verse in Devarim ( 26:16), “This day Hashem your God commands you to perform these decrees”. Rashi on this verse says “every day it should be as if commanded today.” When we celebrate the giving of the Torah, we do not commemorate a one-day historical event that took place at Har Sinai, but rather we must recognize that the process of understanding the Torah and living by it requires continual engagement. Every moment that we study the Torah reminds us of its Divine source. That is why the blessing on the Torah is recited in present tense, “Noten Hatorah” “He who gives the Torah “ and not in the past tense “Natan Hatorah” –who gave the Torah . Every day we have the opportunity to continue the process of acquiring the Torah and making it part of our lives.

Learning all night on Shavuot has become a very popular minhag. We should take this energy from the holiday and continue our connection to the Torah given on Shavuot throughout the whole year. There are many ways to do this. The many varied classes offered at the OU Israel center help make Torah come alive and meaningful every day. Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach and a daily connection to the Torah.

Recipe

The watermelons are already sweet now so I’ve included a quick fresh summery salad recipe to serve with a milky meal for Shavuot or on Shabbat.

WATERMELON, BULGARIAN CHEESE

• 1 small ( or 1/4 of a large ) watermelon, rind removed and cut into bite sized chunks

• Juice from a lemon (15 ml)

• 45 ml olive oil

• 10 g chopped fresh mint leaves

• 110 g Bulgarian cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

Choose a good hard watermelon. Mix lemon juice, oil, and mint together. Pour over the watermelon. Mix. Place salad in a wide, shallow bowl or a large plate and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the cheese on top and season with pepper and a bit of salt if needed. Serve.

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