Shavuot
Shavuot is the “Festival of
the Giving of the Torah” at Mount Sinai, which occurs seven weeks after Passover. Shavuot is a two-day holiday which falls on the 6th
and 7th of the Hebrew month of
Sivan, this year corresponding to May
16th - May 18th. The Torah
was given by G-d to the Jewish people on Mount
Sinai more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G-d’s gift,
and G-d “re-gives” the Torah. It is customary to eat dairy
foods on Shavuot because Jewish tradition compares the words of Torah to the sweetness of milk and honey. Blintzes and cheesecake are among the popular foods to make and
enjoy for
the holiday.
Traditionally, the Book of Ruth is read during services on Shavuot. Ruth was a Moabite priestess whose love for her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her love of G-d and Torah led her to convert to
Judaism. Her story is a statement of enduring faith in the face of
unexpected hardship. Ruth left a life of luxury
in the royal palace and wound up a poverty-stricken widow. Yet, she made every
twist of her story into a turn for the better.
Ruth Didn’t Take Her Eyes off the Goal - When Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, was
prepared to return to her home in Bethlehem, she begged her widowed
daughter-in-law to remain in the comfort of her home, the royal palace. Ruth was determined to follow her
mother-in-law, even if it meant struggling and poverty. She left behind all she
had. She abandoned her royal past and followed her mother-in-law to a foreign
land. Ruth famously told Naomi, “Do not urge me to leave you, to turn back and
not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go; your people shall be my people,
and your God my God.” Like Ruth, look
beyond the challenges of today and remain focused on the long term. Yes,
quarantine is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but see the big picture: the
precautions we are taking are saving lives.
Ruth Rose Above Social Isolation and Scarcity - Ruth accepted upon herself a life of
poverty, and, upon arriving in Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, became the
object of gossip instead of the warmly welcomed friend and sister. Ruth and her mother-in-law lived a
lonely existence. To keep from starvation, Ruth went to collect fallen barley
sheaves during the harvest. The Torah commands us that an owner of a field is
not to cut the corners of his field but to leave them for the poor. Similarly,
if one dropped grains while reaping, they were to be left for the needy. Ruth
and Naomi lived from these meager gleanings and were happy with what they had. Like Ruth, be content with what you
have.
Ruth Articulated Her Gratitude – Although Ruth was relegated to
collecting leftovers, she demonstrated gratitude even when her world seemed to
have turned upside down. Ruth’s idea of cultivating a sense of thankfulness and
gratitude is an important lesson. Giving thanks and recognizing our blessings
increases joy and can lead to a calmer outlook during a stressful time.
Ruth Knew That True Wealth Is Spiritual Richness - Ruth's outstanding commitment to moving
forward in her spiritual and personal development is a powerful lesson for each
of us as we prepare to receive the Torah on Shavuot once again. Life is
a continuous learning experience, and as we keep rising and falling, like Ruth,
we will recommit to our purpose and shine our unique individual light into the
world.
Ruth’s faith and loyalty, coupled with
a tremendous inner strength, should be a source of inspiration for all of us.
During our current coronavirus hardships or the everyday dips and curves of
life’s journey, stay positive, focus on the silver linings, and plow ahead with
joy and love.
The Torah is
Life. The Torah is Knowledge. The Torah is Love. The Torah is Joy.
With my best wishes for a Happy Shavuot
Rabbi Stuart A. Paris, HaKohen
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