Erev Shavuot

Special Shavuot 5783

Every morning, before prayer, we are supposed to spend a few minutes studying. As our sages were no strangers to the thousand and one occupations that each one of us has, they devised a formula in such a way that each day we could devote a few minutes to the study of the Torah, the Mishnah and the Talmud. Thus, in any siddur you will find at the beginning, after the bracha of the tzitzit, the "Blessings to the Torah" which consists of a blessing followed by three small texts belonging to Numbers 6, Mishna Peah 1:1 and bShabbat 127a. In this way, every day, the sages made sure that we could dedicate a few minutes to study.

We could highlight many common themes among these three texts, but there are two that are repeated: the study of the Torah and the acts of chesed, that is, actions of love and generosity with those who need it most. According to these texts, the study of the Torah is equated to all the good deeds that can be entrusted to us and it is on Shavuot when we celebrate the giving of the Torah.

In addition to celebrating the giving of the Torah, on Shavuot it is customary to read The Book of Ruth. This megillah is closely related to these three texts that we are entrusted to read every morning: Mishnah Peah 1:1, bShabbat 127a and Numbers 6. Mishnah Peah 1:1 speaks to us of everything that does not have a fixed measure like the corners of the fields that we must leave so that the poorest can at least have what to eat, or the acts of chesed, or the study of Torah. bShabbat 127a tells us about everything for which we will be rewarded in the world to come, such as honoring parents, hospitality towards foreigners, visiting the sick, bringing peace or Torah study. And Numbers 6 blesses us so that God protects us and gives us peace.

Ruth will have to feed herself and her mother-in-law from what she finds in the corners of the fields, she will honor her adoptive mother by deciding to stay with her and protect her and all of this will bring her peace and for all of this she will be blessed. This year, once again, let us do like Ruth and receive the Torah generously and with arms, hearts and hands open to listen and see those who need us most and to act.