B"H

Thursday, Sivan 3, 5782 (47th day of the Omer)/ June 2, 2022

Q.  There is a custom in many communities to decorate the synagogue with plants, trees etc. for the holiday of Shavuot. What is the reason for this?

A.  The Torah was given at Mount Sinai which is in the Sinai desert, where the land is barren. However, in honor of the Giving of the Torah G-d performed a special miracle and the entire area surrounding the mountain sprouted trees and grass and beautiful vegetation. To commemorate this wonderful miracle, on the day when we received the Torah, we decorate the synagogue with greenery on Shavuot.

Why did G-d perform this miracle and what was the lesson to the people? This miracle teaches us that Torah can transform one's life and surroundings from a spiritual wasteland and wilderness into a fruitful landscape filled with wisdom, growth and purpose.

Q.  In the Torah we find the three festive holidays: Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. Pesach is in the spring, Shavuot in the summer and Sukkot in the fall. Why are there no Biblical festive holidays in the winter?

A.  In the days of the Holy Temple there was a mitzvah for Jews from all of Israel to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the festive holidays and celebrate there. G-d didn't want to make it difficult for the people, so He didn't assign any holidays during the cold and rainy winter months.

Q.  The Ten Commandments are found twice in the Torah, the first time in Exodus and again in Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy, after recording the giving of the Ten Commandments, G-d orders Moshe to tell the people, "Now return to your tents." What is the significance in that G-d told them to return to their tents?”

Rabbi Simcha Bunim, z"l, of Pshischa explains, “The real test if one is committed to perform the commandments is how one conducts themself at home - in their tents!"  G-d said, "Now that you have the Torah, let Me see how you will act in the privacy of your homes."

Continuity of Judaism cannot be left to the Jewish schools and Shuls (synagogues).  The home is the most important Jewish institution we have. As parents, we must remember the great responsibility we have, being entrusted in being in charge of this great Jewish institution, called “home.”

The foundation of our children's spiritual future and their continuity in carrying forth the golden chain of our over 3,000 years of Jewish tradition is in our home. We must remember G-d’s message, "Now return to your tents."  It’s not enough to practice it at Mount Sinai or in the synagogue. Bring the Torah into your home. Study it and practice it and be an example to your children.

Remember: It is important to come and bring the children on Sunday morning to synagogue to hear the Torah reading of the Ten Commandments. 

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY