Article published in Comunidades Plus on May, 13th 2021
Isaac Sacca, Chief Sephardic Rabbi and President of Menora,the World Jewish Organization , shares his message for the Argentine society with the inspiration of the Shabuot festival that begins on Sunday, May 16th. He also answers the most common doubts about the meaning and customs of this holiday.
Shabuot begins on Sunday night, May 16th, and finishes in the afternoon of Tuesday, May 18th. It is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the revelation of the Torah, especially the Ten Commandments, and invites us to value the rules and fight for justice and welfare. Here is a guide to the complete material of this holiday:
What is Shabuot?
Shabuot recalls the delivery of the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel on Mount Sinai. After the miraculous departure from Egypt, the Jews received the Law that has the foundations of our culture.
The essential message of Shabuot is that we must renew our civic commitment to the law regularly, shaping a society based on respect for all the individuals that form it.
The story of Shabuot
On Shabuot, celebrated 49 days after Pesach, we remember the delivery of the Law.
The Jewish people, guided by Moses and under the guidance of God, get liberated from the oppression and slavery imposed by Pharaoh and leave Egypt for freedom. They go to Mount Sinai and when they get there, they prepare with enthusiasm and joy to receive the Law. Finally, 49 days after the exodus from Egypt, God begins to transmit the Torah, especially the Ten Commandments and the basis of the Law.
When do we celebrate Shabuot?
Shabuot literally means “Weeks” because it is celebrated seven weeks (49 days) after the first day of Pesach. It is celebrated for a single day in the Land of Israel and for two days in the diaspora. This year, 2021, in Argentina begins at sunset on Sunday, May 16th and finishes in the afternoon of Tuesday, May 18th.
How do we greet on Shabuot?
The traditional greeting is “Chag Shabuot Sameach” or simply “Chag Sameach” which are translated respectively as “Happy Shabuot (Weeks) Holiday” or “Happy Holiday”.
What is the spiritual purpose of Shabuot?
Shavuot reminds us of the importance of fair laws. Respecting the legal order and promoting justice is a pillar of Judaism.
It is also a moment to connect with the deep study of the Torah. The objective is to recognize the inherent spirituality of the human being and help him relate to God and his peers in an appropriate way.
How do we celebrate Shabuot?
Synagogues and homes are decorated with flowers and ornaments. There are also special prayers related to the holiday.
This year the meetings will be held respecting the isolation and prevention measures for contagion by Coronavirus according to the disposals of the health agencies of each city.
Which are the customs of the festivity of Shabuot?
It is customary to stay up all night studying the scriptures and other sacred texts. It is also customary to eat dairy food.
How will Shabuot be celebrated in the context of a Covid-19 pandemic?
The following dispositions have been agreed with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel in relation to the care to be taken in the upcoming ceremonies related to the Shabuot festival:
Prayers must be adapted to the new protocols.
The festive meal should be held with the closest family and not with other families and even less, the general public.
Analysis: The harder you try, the greater your achievement will be.
By Chief Rabbi Isaac Sacca (*). May 2021.
Why didn’t the people of Israel receive the Torah immediately after their glorious departure from Egypt? Why do we count the 49 days of the Omer between Pesach and Shabuot?
On Pesach we remember the departure from Egypt, recreating those events on the night of the Seder; On Shabuot we remember the delivery of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, studying Torah all night to receive it fully. Between these two festivities are the days of the Omer , which we enumerate one after another, counting each day with its corresponding blessing.
The idea behind this may sound simple, but it is a pillar that can positively transform our lives: processes are important. Between the departure from Egypt and the delivery of the Torah there had to be enough time for the people of Israel to free themselves from the physical, psychological and cultural ties that slavery imposed on them.
Every process takes time. Time demands patience. Patience requires effort. Shortcuts can be tempting but they don’t have lasting results. The journey to the goal can and should be as important as the goal itself. The way to achieve a certain goal inexorably influences the result.
In a society accustomed to immediacy, which only seeks instant success, we must rescue the value of effort and patience: enjoy and take advantage of the journey, and not only focus on the result. If we understand that the effort is part of the purpose itself, if we manage to internalize that every process needs a time of maturation, we will be able to have a more authentic and happy life.
Source: www.comunidadesplus.com
