B"H
Monday, Sivan 4, 5784 / June 10, 2024 (48th day of the Omer)
The holiday of Shavuot will begin Tuesday night and end Thursday night. In Israel, where the holiday is only one day, Shavuot ends Wednesday evening.
The Torah reading Wednesday morning (first day of Shavuot) is about the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments.
It is important to attend Shul and bring the children, even the little ones, to hear the reading of the Ten Commandmentsand experience the wonderful event of receiving the Torah.
Q. Why is it important for the children to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments on Shavuot?
A. Children and Torah are deeply connected. Children played a very important role in our receiving the Torah. Our Sages say that before G-d gave the Torah, he demanded guarantors that the Torah will be studied and cherished. The people made a number of suggestions which were rejected by G-d. Only when they declared, "Our children will be our guarantors,” did G-d agree to give the Torah.
Torah is compared to water. Said the Rabbi of Lublin: Water has enormous power; it can wash away anything that stands in its path and is always on the move, resembling life. But if water becomes too cold, it freezes and is like a rock, frozen and stiff. The same is with Torah and mitzvot. If they are performed casually and cold - without feeling and personal dedication, then one's spiritual service is lacking. If one studies Torah and keeps the mitzvot with fire; warmth and enthusiasm, then one can attain great accomplishments and great spiritual benefits.
Shavuot is the Yartzeit(day of passing) of King David. King David was a descendant of Ruth. This is why we read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot. It records the wonderful story of King David's great-great-grandmother, Ruth, who converted to Judaism.
Ruth didn't convert for any material gain. In fact, she gave up a materially secure life for a life of poverty in order to join her mother-in-law, Naomi and the people of Israel. The story of Ruth teaches us a lesson pertaining to Shavuot, that we must not learn the Torah and fulfill mitzvot for personal gain. Rather, just like Ruth, we should feel fortunate that we were chosen by G-d to be entrusted with the Torah and mitzvot and do our best to fulfill G-d's commandments, regardless of any personal effort or expense involved.
Shavuot is also the Yartzeit of the founder of the Chassidic movement, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, who passed away in the year 5520 (1760).
Yizkor is recited on Shavuot. In the Diaspora it is recited the second day of Shavuot.
CHAG SAMEACH – A HAPPY & WONDERFUL SHAVUOT HOLIDAY
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW.
Montreal candle lighting times: Tuesday evening: 8:25 / Wednesday evening: 9:42
NEXT TORAH FAX AFTER THE HOLIDAYS