Imagine you were getting ready to sign an important contract, one that would set you up for life. You would make sure to be well prepared and then when the day comes you would dress well and be at the meeting on time eagerly anticipating the exciting moment. Well this is how we regard the upcoming holiday of Shavuot – the time we were given the Torah and entered into a lifelong contract with Hashem.
Some years ago the Rebbe requested that we start encouraging all Jewish men, women and children to be present in the Synagogue on the first day of Shavuot when we read the Ten Commandments and re-experience the giving of the Torah. This was a reflection of what happened at Sinai, where every single Jew (present and future) was there to experience the Revelation and hear as G-d spoke those words.
Why indeed was it so important that every Jew “be there” then and that every Jew “be there” each year on Shavuot? One of the explanations is, the opening words of the Ten Commandments are “Anochi Hashem Elokecha – I am the L-rd your G-d.” Unlike English, the Hebrew tongue has different words for “you” depending on whether it is singular or plural. In this case the singular usage of you is employed indicating that G-d was addressing each person individually rather than the Jewish people collectively. Hashem says to each and every one of us “I am your personal G-d.” He wants to have a direct and personal relationship with each and every one of us. For this reason we all had to be there so that Hashem could address Himself to us individually.
This is why it is important for each of us to be in Shul for the reading of the Ten Commandments because this is the time when we refresh our individual personal relationship with G-d. BE THERE!
I would like to give you (yes you individually) a personal invitation to attend Chabad Uptown or Chabad Metairie for this important occasion. This Wednesday, May 15 is the day. Every Jewish man, woman and child should be present. At Chabad (both locations) services begin at 10 AM and the Torah is read at 11. Following services there will be an Ice Cream Party and Dairy Kiddush Lunch as is customary for the holiday.
On Tuesday night, May 14 we stay up all night learning. Once again both Chabad locations will be having classes and programs that evening until the wee hours of the morning. Please join us for a night of Torah study.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin