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This week's Parsha is Parshat Emor, the Parsha starts off by explaining the kohen Gadols obligations and prohibitions. then It goes into detail discussing the Yomim Tovim. When looking at the Pesukim in Parshat Emor regarding the upcoming holiday, Shavuot, compared to the other Chagim, one notices many striking differences. The only information we are provided regarding Shavuot is: Perek כג passuk טז             “‎תספרו חמישים  יום וקראתם מִנְחָ֥ה חֲדָשָׁ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָֽה ” - You shall count until the day after the seventh week, the fiftieth day. Interestingly, Shavuot is not properly introduced. All other חגים begin with the phrase וידבר ה אל משה לאמור which is the Torah’s way of telling us that this is a new section. In addition, Shavuoth has no defined date associated with it aside from counting ‎ספירת העומר . Moreover, Shavuoth does not have a title, not even the famous expression of  “‎זמן מתן תורתינו'' is written in the Pesukim. Lastly, many holidays have a specific symbol, such as the shofar on Rosh Hashanah or matzah on Passover. Shavuot is simply blessed with מנהגים such as eating dairy, and flower decoration. These distinctions lead us to question why this holiday receives less כבוד than the others.
 
Counting from leaving Egypt until מתן תורה demonstrates that the entire purpose of יציאת מצרים is in fact receiving the Torah. It is evident that Pesach is the physical redemption, as we were physically taken out of the burdens of Egypt. Shavuot is our spiritual redemption, since we were given the Torah and direction on how to serve and cling to Hashem. The essence of Shavuot is directly connected to Pesach. As a result, we can understand why Shavuot is not introduced as a distinct holiday. This also explains why there is no calendar date for Shavuoth. A specific date would only take away from the inherent message of the transition.
 
We are always taught that Mitzvot should feel new to a person every day. The excitement should be inherent at all times. Everything in Judaism is meant to be internalized and then put into action. However, certain habits may lead to repetition and no sense of sanctity and freshness. For example, in last week's parsha when Bnei Yisroel visits the Beis HaMikdash over the Shalosh Regalim, they enter through one gate, and exit through another. Their yearning to try something new becomes something to look forward to.
If we were to refer to Shavuoth as זמן מתן תורתינו in the Pesukim, the message may be that we are limiting Torah study to only 2 days a year.
 
We can now turn to the last question regarding the lack of symbols or Mitzvot associated with this holiday. Due to the tremendous significance of the message of Shavuot, there is nothing physical that would do justice to מתן תורה. In reality, Shavuot is the foundation for all the other holidays. By acting in accordance with the Torah law on a daily basis, we are actually celebrating Shavuot. This holiday may not have a defined date or a specific name in the Torah because it is simply about our daily lives.
 
In Amit, the enthusiasm of Torah learning has a direct correlation to the essence of Shavuot. We make the excitement of Torah learning a part of our everyday lives. As soon as we exit the classroom, our desire to learn more and delve deeper only begins to grow. Torah is the guide to daily life in this world. Throughout my whole year I’ve been learning so much, and have really connected to sefer tehillim. Dovid writes in perek 19, pasuk 8- The law (Torah) of Hashem is perfect, restoring the soul- תּ֘וֹרַ֚ת יְהֹוָ֣ה תְּ֖מִימָה מְשִׁ֣יבַת נָ֑פֶשׁ
Torah is truly the backbone of everything we do. It is essentially our guidebook to live the perfect life. Although we may not understand everything we do, having emunah in Hashem is really important. Everyday we are supposed to daven to Hashem. Although one may view it as a burden and not want to make time for it, I view it as another opportunity to connect and speak to Hashem. During a busy day, carving out the time for mincha is so rewarding. I truly believe that it is “restoring” and gives me that extra push in the middle of the day. After a full day of classes, going to the Beis, delving deeper into topics that interest me, and being able to discuss with my friends and fellow classmates what we have learned that day, is the ultimate reward. The warm environment and personal connections between the students and the staff in Amit, leads us to a lifelong connection with Torah. Torah is truly such an incredible way to connect to our true self and ultimately Hashem. It’s hard to believe that my year at Amit has only another 6 weeks, but the foundation of Torah study is something that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.