Beyond the Bema

I must be crazy to write about a Holiday that hasn’t happened, right? Especially since I’m observing my first one, right? No, I’ve been studying this one for quite sometime. Perhaps there will be a follow up. We’ll see.

Shavuot is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals during which ancient Israelites would bring offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. This is because Shavuot is traditionally associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

There is a lot that goes into Shavuot, but this is what I got out of my research.

“The giving of the Torah at Sinai is seen as an invitation to continually recommit to values like justice, kindness, and learning”. “It also encourages people to think about what values they “receive” and live by in today’s world—such as truth, justice, and education. It underscores the role of education in shaping identity and moral responsibility.”

I think it’s really cool that after so many years, traditions are still alive for this Holiday. Yes, I realize it’s a big Holiday, but it is like no one has let education go. I feel like this is the starting point of continuous learning. If you ever needed a reminder as to why you, as a Jewish individual, would ever need to always study, look back on this day- the day the Torah was received. The day that learning became a heightened thing. Our ancestors took the Torah and blossomed because they realized their calling to learn from the words of G!d.

Kindness is also brought up. I have yet to meet a Jewish person at my synagogue that isn’t kind. Kindness is what brought me back the second time for services. And if we’re being honest, it has brought me back ever since. I don’t think I was an unkind person before my journey. But the Jewish people have taught me another form of kindness. For that I am forever grateful.

Justice is an attribute that is brought up twice. I don’t know about you, but when I see justice, I’m thinking gavel and courtroom. No. Jews fight for what’s right. Whether it be you in your Rabbi’s office deciding how to handle a difficult situation, peacefully protesting for a Jewish cause, or dedicating so much of your time fighting for equal housing rights for your community. Jewish people ARE justice. It’s ingrained in our souls. And I will be honest, it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in action.

So, I’m excited for Shabbat AND Shavuot services this weekend. If you always come ready to learn, you’ll always leave with something meaningful.