"We've existed so long, because the Torah kept us strong, and the Torah will never disappear" is a refrain from a popular song about Jewish pride and values, that is sang in many Jewish camps all over the world.
It is a joyful song, with a subtle and powerful message, and a reminder about what has helped us stay strong over the years, stay true to our faith, and continue to seek to be a light to the world. In one word, it is the "Torah". In a few words, it is the Torah and our faith in G-d, and our loyalty to staying connected to this and living it and passing it on in each generation.
Rabbi Chanina Ben Tradyon was one of the leaders of the Jewish people during the Roman persecution. He defied the Romans and would teach children and students the words of the Torah, despite the risk of being put to death that came with this action, which the Romans had banned..
The Romans eventually arrested him and decided to publicly burn him with a very slow and cruel death. They wrapped him in a Torah Scroll and covered him with wet wool, as the flames burned, so the death would be slow and painful.
His students and daughter were forced to watch this terrible scene, and in those final minutes he had a few conversations and messages which he shared which are still discussed thousands of years later.
At one point his students asked him, as he was surrounded by flames, Rabbi, "what do you see"?
He responded, "I see the parchment is burning, but the letters are taking flight!".
His students were not asking him what he physically sees, they were asking for his view and what would become of them and their future. He responds, that the body may be burning, but the letters, the holy messages of the Torah are flying, they will not be burned, they will endure, and continue to imbue those who study them, with the eternal message of the Torah and its moral and Divine teachings.
His students took this message with them, and despite the continued persecution, they found a way that to make sure that eternal words of the Torah, would continue to live on through them.
Tonight, we begin the holiday of Shavuot and it continues for the next 48 hours. In addition to the cheesecake, blintzes and more, the holiday is a celebration of the anniversary of the Giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai 3,338 years ago.
We mark this day, with the reading of the Ten Commandments, with celebrations and gatherings and with extra study. Yet underlying it all, is a reminder of the anchor and vision that is at the core of the story of our people, which has given us strength and motivation through fire and water, throughout history, to stay the course, and continue focusing and delivering on our mission.
There are so many things that come and go in life, some last longer than others, some are gone with the wind, as a new fad comes and replaces the old one, and what was lit and cool just a few months ago, is now relegated to the dustbin of history. Yet Judaism, has built at its core, an eternal set of values and teachings, which are as relevant today in the age of Artifical Intelligence and SpaceX as they were thousands of years ago in the days of Desert Intelligence when the Jews were in the desert.
Let us celebrate Shavuot and create more time to study the timeless words that encapsulate our mission and collective purpose. Be joyful and grateful that we can celebrate the gift of the Torah, with its letters and words which have been passed down, one generation the next by those who often paid such a high price and made so many sacrifices, to ensure that we today can continue the mission of our ancestors.
G-d willing our children too, will continue celebrating, learning and living these same letters and messages and be the ones to continue passing down this chain of tradition and purpose.
Indeed, "We've existed so long, because the Torah kept us strong, and the Torah will never disappear".
Chag Sameach and Happy Shavuot
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel
P.S Please join us for the many beautiful Shavuot services and celebrations over the next two days, which you can read about below.