Dear Readers,
Are you married? Do you remember the day that you “tied the knot” and made the biggest commitment of your life? I wonder if you remember any of the details of that special day, like how you wore your hair or makeup, or the exact style of your bridal gown. While these details may be superfluous, I’ll bet that every year when this month comes around, you remember that your anniversary is approaching. And no matter how many years pass, when that special day finally does arrive, you celebrate it appropriately.
This week, we celebrate the arrival of the Jewish month of Sivan. This month is important for the Jewish people as it commemorates when we actually became G‑d’s chosen nation, His “bride.”
Rosh Chodesh Sivan is distinguished as the day on which the Jewish people arrived and camped before Mount Sinai. Six days later, on the sixth of Sivan, our marriage “ceremony” took place. We awoke to the awesome background concert of thunder and lightning, and beheld the scenic backdrop of flowers and greenery as the Torah was gifted by G‑d to the Jewish people.
Our wedding ceremony on Mount Sinai happened more than 3,300 years ago. It signified a life-transformative event, when we no longer were just a handful of tribes descending from great ancestors. We had become G‑d’s people—chosen to learn and teach His Torah, and to become a “light unto the nations.” Despite the many nations that have since attempted to stop us or destroy us, the Jewish people are still here today, thriving as a nation and succeeding to shed light on how to lead more G‑dly lives.
Every year on the holiday of Shavuot, we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah. Like our ancestors at Mount Sinai, we, too, proclaim Naasehv’nishmah: “We will do and we will learn.” We will use the Torah’s guidance to help us lead more meaningful lives.
Wishing you a Chodesh Tov! And wishing us all a happy upcoming anniversary!
Chana Weisberg
Editor, TJW
