The holiday of Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah by G-d to the entire Jewish people. This occurred on Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago. The imparting of the Torah and biblical commandments was more than just a historical date. It was a far-reaching spiritual event that touched the essence of all Jewish souls for all time. On Shavuot, the Jewish people agreed to adhere to the commandments of the Torah. Every year, Shavuot is a special time for us to strengthen our unique relationship with G-d.
What is the Torah?
The Torah is comprised of two parts: the written law and the oral law. The written Torah contains the Five Books of Moses, the Prophets and the Writings. The oral law explains and clarifies the written law. The Torah describes the creation of the world by G-d, and expounds on the 613 mitzvot.
The Hidden Dimension
Contrary to popular opinion, the Jewish people did not receive just the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The revelation encompassed every dimension of the Torah, including the deepest mystical secrets of the Jewish religion. Throughout most of our history, this esoteric dimension of the Torah has been studied only by a select few. However, when the spiritual awareness that had been prevalent in Biblical times gradually gave way to ignorance and despair, our Sages began to teach these profound lessons. This helped to kindle the spark of Judaism that lay dormant in the hearts of the layman. Our Sages explained the inner dimension of the Torah in practical, understandable terms. Spiritual concepts that had once been obscure were imbued with new light and relevance. Mitzvot, that once seemed ritualistic became vibrant, alive and full of significance.
Ten Commandments
The Ten Commands range from the highest and most refined concepts of the belief in the oneness of G-d to the most basic laws which every society has found necessary to enforce:
1) I am the Lord your G-d who took you out of the land of Egypt.
2) You shall have no other gods before Me.
3) Do not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain.
4) Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.
5) Honor your father and mother.
6) Do not commit murder.
7) Do not commit adultery.
8) Do not steal.
9) Do not bear false witness.
10) Do not covet what your neighbor has.
The Legacy
At Mount Sinai, G-d inquired as to who would be the guarantors of the Jewish faith. And from all the leaders, prophets and Sages of that generation, it was the children that G-d chose as guarantors. The inherent and non-judgmental belief in G-d that our children possess will be the deciding factor in the perpetuation of our glorious heritage. Educating our children is imperative, for it is they who will ultimately transmit and uphold our Jewish legacy and traditions.
Today
On Shavuot, every man, woman and child should attend services to hear the story of the Ten Commandments read from the Torah scroll. It is especially important for children to be there, since they served as our guarantors when the Torah was given.
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Rabbi David Laine is the Director of Chabad Vocational Schools.
