Happy Shavuot from the Happy Minyan!

Happy Minyan - Los Angeles

May 2009 Shavuot 5769

Greetings!

The holiday of Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah on Har Sinai over 3,300 years ago. Shavuot is observed like other Torah holidays, which is basically the same way Shabbat is observed except that cooking for the holiday and carrying in public (without an eiruv) areas are both permitted on holidays, whereas that is forbidden on Shabbat. (Since the 2nd Day of Shavuot this year, conincides with Shabbat, the carrying in public areas without an eiruv and cooking is prohibited.)

The main mitvot are candle-lighting, special prayer services which include Hallel during the day, and meals with Kiddush. If the Beit HaMikdash were standing - may it be speedily rebuilt! - we would also be able to bring bikkurim, our first fruits, as well as holiday offerings.

Along with the mitzvot we observe for the holiday of Shavuot, there are several customs we have for this holiday as well - here's a brief overview of the main ones:

People fill their homes and shuls with flowers and greenery to recall Har Sinai as it was on the original Shavuot day - beautifully flower-filled. Good Shabbos

Many eat milk products like cheesecakes and blintzes, for various reason. One practical point being that prior to receiving the Torah, we had not been instructed in the laws of kosher slaughtering of animals, nor the separation of milk and meat. To avoid making mistakes, it is said that our ancestors ate dairy at first until they learned how to properly observe the laws of kashrut. And metaphorically, we are called HaShem's children at the time of giving of the Torah, and just as children need milk to grow and thrive so we need Torah to grow and thrive.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot - the Night-time "Fixing" of Shavuot - is done by many people by staying up all night studying Torah. This is because we want to show that we are indeed anxiously awaiting the morning wherein we receive the Torah, although on the original Shavuot at Har Sinai, we woke up a little late. (Hence the idea of "fixing" or repairing the past.)
Good Shabbos

On Shavuot day, before Torah reading (but after Hallel) there is a special prayer of praise that is read, Akdamus Millin. We then read the portion of the Torah that includes the narrative of the Revelation at Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments, and then we read Megillat Rut - the Book of Ruth (outside of Israel, this is read on the 2nd Day of the holiday). Good Shabbos

There are a few reasons why we read the story of Ruth on Shavuot, which includes the fact that hers is the first fully recorded conversion story in the Bible. Since we were all like converts at Har Sinai when we accepted the Torah, we relate to Ruth's love and acceptance of the Torah. Also, she is the great-grandmother of King David, whose yahrtzeit is on Shavuot. And of course, the story of Ruth took place during the harvest season, which is this time of year and part of what we are celebrating on Shavuot.

Lastly, dear friend, as we again enjoy another holiday with our friends and family, please keep in mind our heroes, the captive Israeli soldiers who still are not free to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot with their family and friends.

Please daven for the immediate safe return of
Gilad (ben Aviva) Shalit;
Zachary (ben Miriam) Baumel;
Tzvi (ben Penina) Feldman;
Yehuda (ben Sarah) Katz;
Ron (ben Batya) Arad and
Guy (ben Rina) Hever
as well as for the safety and success
of all of Israel's soldiers.
and the immediate release of
Yehonatan (ben Malka) Pollard.

May we all merit this Shavuot to accept the Torah in our hearts as we did at Har Sinai with awe and love and joy!

Chag Sameyach!

Sincerely,

Rachel Espana
Happy Minyan - Los Angeles