“Three times a year, Shalosh Regalim, all your males shall appear before HaShem …” and bring offerings. Literally, three walking festivals, since the people travelled to the Holy Temple to celebrate together, offering their finest animals and grains as gifts for G-d as prescribed by Moses as part of the Covenant forged at Sinai. Shavuot is one of these three, celebrated seven weeks after Passover, on the 50th day. Originally connected to the harvest of wheat it was called Chag Katzir, “to reap.” Later, in Torah, it is called Chag haShavuot, literally meaning “weeks,” a reflection of the focus on time and how to honor it.
This historical event transformed over the centuries into a celebration of receiving Torah and standing at Sinai, the place that represented the meeting of G-d and the people. Akin to a wedding ceremony, G-d (the groom) and the people (the bride) stand together under the huppah, the celestial wedding canopy of the heavens, covering and protecting this relationship and the commitment to be sanctified together.
The letters עבש literally mean the number seven but also an “oath.” It represents seven weeks of refinement going from the Exodus in Egypt to coming to Sinai to meet HaShem. Biblically that meant counting/measuring grain (Omer) as an offering each day, for seven weeks, which then is transformed into spiritual inner work, refining one’s qualities, a form of preparation to elevate oneself, ready to recommit to the covenant with G-d and welcome, with open arms, the Torah. Once again, to treasure it, commit to study it, take an “oath,” uplifting our words and devoting ourselves to the many facets of Torah’s wisdom, guidance and mitzvot. It is a rededication, both as an individual and as a people, a community together, as those who stood at the foot of Sinai over 3,000 years ago, saying “We shall do and we shall listen, ‘Na-aseh v’nishma.’” Remarkably, the people offer to commit to action before even really paying attention and understanding what it is they are committing to. Like any marriage the love comes first, the willingness to give and share follows, and then with time and dedication so much more is understood about one’s partner. The commitment is to the process, the learning, through deep engagement and sharing on a daily basis. Shavuot is the complete surrender to our holiest object and the willingness to recommit, mind, body and spirit to be counted. After seven weeks of deep, dedicated searching and awareness, we stand before G-d, in prayer and in study, lifting ourselves, in these moments of challenge, as a Jew in America and around the world. We tap into the pride and joy that Judaism offers. We are reminded of the awesome tradition that teaches basic foundational principles of how to treat human beings, follow the law and to value each and every person, possessors of the Divine spark.
The “sh” letter also changes to an “s” and becomes the word “savah,” which means to be satiated. This close connection reminds us that with satisfaction comes purpose, choosing to live Judaism’s major moments. Whether due to antisemitism or the overwhelming chaos of our times, embracing that which offers richness, beauty, joy and mindful teachings, we can taste satisfaction and create meaning in our lives. Nourishing our minds, our souls and our hearts comes with engaging in the goodness of Jewish living and celebrating. The Jewish calendar offers opportunities, throughout the year, to touch key moments of history, expanded spiritual gems and the depth of understanding the Divine mind.
These three holidays, along with Yom Kippur, also give us another gift, “memory.” Four times we are required to light a candle for those we love who have left this world. The Yizkor candle, which means, “He will remember,” referring to G-d, is our opportunity to light the wick, have it dance and soar, connecting to our precious memories, while the belief mystically is that these precious souls, symbolically, move through the worlds beyond as the flame flickers and radiates light, like the splendor of the words of Torah.
Shavuot is that moment in the year where all becomes one – People Israel, Torah, memory and the Divine – a unification begun at Sinai.
Eva Robbins is a rabbi, cantor, artist and the author of “Spiritual Surgery: A Journey of Healing Mind, Body and Spirit.”
