Friday Sivan 1, 5777 / May 26, 2017 (45th day of the Omer)

Today is Rosh Chodesh Sivan – the first day of the new month, Sivan.

Q.What special historical event took place on Rosh Chodesh Sivan?

A.On Rosh Chodesh Sivan, six weeks after the Exodus from Egypt, in the year 2448 (3329 years ago), the Jewish people arrived at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah.

During the 40 years the Jewish people travelled the desert on their way to the Promised Land, they set up camp in 42 places. The Torah doesn’t usually tell us on which day they set up camp in these places. Yet, the Torah specifies that it was on Rosh Chodesh Sivan that they came to Mount Sinai and set up camp there.

The reason is that coming to Mount Sinai, even before getting the Torah, affected the Jewish people so positively that all their conflicts and disputes were gone. This happened just by coming to Mount Sinai and realizing that there was a much higher purpose to life.

In describing this event, the Torah says, “He, Israel camped there in front of the mountain.” Although there were over a million people, the Torah uses a singular expression, HE - in the singular. Our sages explain that by this the Torah tells us that they were all, “like one person with one heart.”

To demonstrate their unity and concern for each other, Jews at Mount Sinai accepted responsibility for each other. From that day on we all became responsible for our fellow Jew to help him or her in their spiritual needs.

Q. Our sages tell us that Mount Sinai was one of the smallest amongst the mountains. What is the lesson in the fact that G-d chose to give the Torah on a low mountain, not on flat ground?

A.When coming to learn Torah one may encounter obstacles. Good things do not come easy. Mount Sinai teaches us that when coming to perform G-d’s commandments one may encounter a mountain of obstacles. G-d wants us to make an effort to study Torah and observe the mitzvot.

But G-d gave the Torah on a small mountain - a manageable mountain. It is within one’s ability to climb and conquer. It teaches us that with effort it is within everyone’s reach.

Our sages say that G-d never demands of us something which we cannot handle. If He commands us to study Torah and perform the mitzvot, He also gives us the ability to accomplish it.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHODESH-MONTH & SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 8:12 / Shabbat ends: 9:21