196 - Shavuotn

In the non-Orthodox community, Shavuot seems to miss out by falling as the religious school year is ending. There doesn’t seem to be as much time to spend on the nuance and observances of this festival. We place such an emphasis on Pesach - on feeling as if each of us had personally been present on the flight from Egypt - and we neglect its culmination, the giving of Torah on Shavuot. Maybe we need to let our spiritual imaginings be present at Sinai. The custom of studying all night before Shavuot prepares us for the miracle that made us a holy people.

One Hundred Ninety-Six

Shavuot

Released in our infancy,
We struggle with our growth
And see the goal on the far horizon.

Just as we all fled Egypt,
Wandering into our freedom,
So do we now stand at the mountain’s base.

If we close our eyes,
We hear the thunder,
We feel the embrace of the crowd.

Beloved One, You transform the world
With this precious gift of Torah,
Giving meaning to our days.

This is our strength’s essence:
Your divine and guiding words,
Heritage of freedom’s choice.