A tree of life
A gift accepted anew
Shavuot is not only the memory of Sinai but a living encounter with the Torah. It is studied, reread and accepted again — as if for the first time.
תיקון
The night of study
On the night of Shavuot many stay awake and study Torah until dawn — Tikkun Leil Shavuot, as if preparing once more to meet it at Sinai.
רות
The Book of Ruth
On Shavuot the scroll of Ruth is read — the story of a Moabite woman who out of love accepted the faith and the people. Her great-grandson is King David.
נעשה
Na'aseh v'nishma
“We will do and we will hear” — the people accepted the Torah in trust, before understanding. That readiness of heart is the essence of the festival.
מורשה
Heritage
“The Torah that Moses commanded is the heritage of the community.” The gift of Sinai belongs to every generation anew.
It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and those who support it are happy.