B"H
Monday, Iyar 28, 5781 (43rd day of the Omer) / May 10, 2021
Today is the 28th day of Iyar. On this day, in 1967, the Holy city of Jerusalem, the Kotel and all the Holy places were miraculously returned to their rightful owner – the Jewish people. The reunification of New Jerusalem and the old city took place on the third day of the Six Day war, the 28th of Iyar. We must cherish this gift and keep it forever!
This Shabbat we read Parshat Bamidbar, which begins the fourth Book of the Torah. In most years, this Parsha is read on the Shabbat before Shavuot – the holiday in which we celebrate receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Being that Shavuot begins next week Sunday night, thus, Parshat Bamidbar will be read this Shabbat.
The Parsha begins with G-d commanding Moshe to count the Jewish men between the ages of 20 and 60, those that are able to join G-d‘s army, in case of battle. The total amount, excluding the tribe of Levi, was 603,550.
Q. What is the connection between this Parsha and the holiday of Shavuot?
A. Our sages tell us that every Jewish soul is connected to and rooted in the Torah. Although some may be more knowledgeable than others, some may be on a higher spiritual level than others, yet, as we approach the holiday of Shavuot, this Parsha teaches us that in essence we are all equal and every Jew has their share in the Torah. This point is emphasized by the importance of the census in this Parsha, in which each person was counted equally.
Q. In which year was the Torah given?
A. The Torah was given in the Hebrew year 2448. This Shavuot is 3333 years from the Giving of the Torah.
Q. What is the secret to success in studying Torah?
A. The Talmudic sage Rabbi Yitzchak says, "If a person tells you, I have made an effort in the study of Torah, but I have not succeeded, do not believe him. If a person tells you, I didn't make any effort and I have succeeded, do not believe him. When a person tells you, I made an effort and I have succeeded, believe him!"
Q. Who was at Mount Sinai at the Giving of the Torah?
A. Our sages tell us that every Jew of that generation, who came out of Egypt, plus all the souls of every Jew of future generations were in attendance for the Giving of the Torah.
When G-d said, “I am G-d your G-d…” He was speaking to every Jew who lived then and in the future. Thus, when we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot we commemorate an event which we, each and every one of us, was witness to that phenomenal experience.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL AND WONDERFUL DAY