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The Torah does not specifically mention the festival of Shavuot, but states
that at the conclusion of the counting of the omer “a new meal-offering”
should be offered, which refers to Shavuot. It is surprising why all other
festivals are described in detail, but Shavuot is merely hinted at. 16
The festival of Shavuot commemorates Matan Torah, and the study of
The Gemara relates the story (Avodah Zarah 17a) of Elazar ben Durdaya, Torah is considered as “a new meal-offering to Hashem.” This is why the
who actively sought relations with every prostitute in the world. Once, Torah alludes to the festival of Shavuot in this way. Chazal teach that each
upon approaching a prostitute, she let off an offensive odor. She told him day that a person learns Torah, he should feel as if he received the Torah
that just as it was impossible to take back the odor, so too, his teshuvah anew.
would not be accepted. He immediately turned to all the creations so that
they should pray for him, but was rebuffed. In the end, he sat and cried Am Yisrael is the only nation who takes their book of laws and dances
bitterly with remorse until he died. A Heavenly Voice proclaimed that he with it enthusiastically. It is truly amazing, since the Torah is replete with
was summoned to everlasting life in the World to Come. prohibitions and restrictions. Why are people excited about it? The other
nations only follow their religion in public. However, in private, they do
We must clarify why he turned to the mountains and the heavens and not live according to their belief. Therefore, they do not rejoice with their
earth. How could inanimate creations assist him? religious doctrines. Since the Torah is Am Yisrael’s lifeline, Am Yisrael
Chazal say that all the mountains wanted Hashem to give the Torah on rejoice in it and willingly abide by its laws.
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