Shavout - Festival of Weeks
Shavuot commemorates the awesome event experienced by the Children of Israel, seven weeks after the Exodus from Egypt, when they camped at the foot of mount Sinai. This event was the Revelation, when G-d’s will was revealed to Israel. It marked the Declaration of the Ten Commandments, while the Jews who were present at Sinai affirmed their covenant with G-d declaring “We will do and we will listen”.
So too the Torah emphasises that “Not with you alone [do Imake this covenant], but with him that standeth here with us, ans also with him that is not here with us this day.”
Shavuot at Newtown Synagogue was truly an amazing experience, reliving the moments of receiving this awesome revelation almost feeling like we were there at Sinai.
There were many dairy foods (which were a treat) to eat and later we headed off to Mandelbaum House for a full night’s study of Torah and cheesecake until our eyes were drooping.
It really was, a night to remember.