Page 3 - Harlem Shavuot Companion 2020

Editor’s Forward
By Kyle Savitch

In Shemot(19:20), we learn that G-d came down upon the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses up
to meet G-d there. The Gemara in Sukkah(5a), though, tells us that G-d did not actually come
down all the way to Mount Sinai. Rather, in this case and all cases where G-d comes down to the
earth, G-d remains ten handbreadths above the ground. This distance, derived from the height of
the ark above which G-d dwelled in the Temple, is brought up in the conversation of the required
height for a sukkah. In order for G-d to dwell with us in our sukkot, we must build them at least
ten handbreadths tall. On Shavuot, however, we do not build Sukkot and, therefore, must find
another means by which to achieve closeness to G-d.

The Ohr HaChaim in Shemot says that, before G-d reached the top of the mountain, the mountain
actually began to rise toward G-d. In addition to climbing up the mountain, Moses, on the
mountain, rose up to G-d just as G-d came down to the mountain. Whereas on Sukkot, we build a
sukkah to allow G-d to come down and dwell with us physically, on Shavuot we aim to rise up
and dwell with G-d spiritually. The way we reach this level is through Torah study, namely, staying
up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot.

Tradition teaches us that the best way to study Torah is with others. The Gemara in Brachot(63b)
says that Torah is only acquired in a group and Taanit(7a) notes that when two individuals study
together they improve each other’s learning by challenging each other and suggesting new insights
and ideas. Thus, on Shavuot, many have the custom to gather together and learn with and from
others. This often takes the form of many individuals teaching in different time slots all throughout
the night. This allows us the opportunity to learn from a wide array of individuals with different
approaches and life experiences. In Harlem, we are especially fortunate to have a community
which represents such a wide spectrum of Jewish beliefs and observances. This is represented not
only in our community’s individuals, but in the many Jewish organizations operating in Harlem,
as well.

Learning with and from each other is one of our greatest opportunities as a community.
Unfortunately, we are unable to gather to learn together over Shavuot this year. We should not
allow this opportunity to pass, though. This companion contains a compilation of many different
thoughts and teachings related to Shavuot. Some of these teachings come from individuals and
some are offered by representatives on behalf of Harlem-based organizations. All of this Torah,
though, comes from our diverse and thriving Jewish community in Harlem. Although we cannot
learn together in person this year, I hope that, through this companion, we will still be able to learn
with and from one another. May we, through our collective Torah, raise each other up to the level
of spiritual closeness with G-d we strive for this and every Shavuot.

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