Find Your Deep – My first time all night Shavuot

I saw a conversation in an online support group about how to balance different characteristics in a relationship, specifically talking about one being a deep thinker, and other feeling at a loss for words. I do not see a problem with this, because we are all different and that is a good thing. My response was that I drive my family crazy with my deep thinking, and they understand when I run to classes and while they are sleeping, go out all night to learn Torah on Shavuot.

It was my first time learning all night, and it was my first Shavuot in Jerusalem. Pure magic. The streets and halls were packed with people of all ages, and I would like to pass on some of the wisdom. The beauty of wisdom is that we all understand it from our own circumstances and experiences, and it touches each person differently. Then the conversations that follow are so much fun for me, because what someone else understood is something I might have missed.

At 11pm I went to see Rabbi Berel Wein at Bet Knesset Hanasi, a friend of mine recommended it, and the topic was Torah MSinai. From the beginning of our Jewish history this has always been the truth, that Moshe Rabeinu received the Torah at Mount Sinai. He went into detail about how throughout different eras, each nation, empire and religion tried to rewrite this truth. The saddest part was when Jews themselves decide which truths to keep and which are discarded, and future generations suffer and disconnect. He was saying that a tree, even in winter, stands firm and strong. So, if our leaves cling to the tree and do not wilt, release and die, then as spring and summer come, renews, grows and flowers, we will stay connected to the source.

Next I went to hear Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz at Yeshurun Central Synagogue talk about cults and missionaries, and how easily some people feel connected and curious when they are not rooted in their own truth, knowledge and community. I know his family from Los Angeles, it is such a small world! You can learn more at www.jewsforjudaism.org

My goal was to end up at Chabad of Rehavia at 1am for Rabbi Goldberg’s class called Women First. I had asked on Shabbat if women come to the all-night learning, and he said he was looking forward to seeing if women would outnumber the men for that topic. I would say it was 50/50, and it was fascinating. On Shavuot, the Jewish people are the bride and our creator is the groom, and the Torah is renewing our vows, and it is actually reliving when we all stood at Mount Sinai together.

He talked about the story of Ruth, and how she chose to be part of the Jewish people and chose Hashem, and merited to be the great-grandmother of King David. Women are the home, the education and the heart of the family. The most exciting thing I learned was that Kol Isha, which is the rule that women’s voices are holy, and men in Orthodox communities are careful not to listen, will be allowed when Moshiach comes! I am ready to dance in the streets with joy, where we just see each other’s soul, and wish each other happiness, health and success. We are all unique, our self expression is something only we can give to the world. Jealousy and envy make no sense spiritually.

Deep my friends, DEEP.

Wishing everyone a deep Torah connection, at your own pace, growing, learning and experiencing joy as you feel your connection get deeper every moment.