Jewish Revolution

This Tuesday night begins the special holiday of Shavuot, when Jewish people the world over will commemorate the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai more than 3,300 years ago. An interesting question is raised in the Talmud: "Which is greater — Study or Action?” Rabbi Akiva said, and the sages agreed: “Study, if it leads to Action.” (Kiddushin 40b) But is this really the case? Religious, spiritual life - the world over - is usually connected with study, prayer, and personal development. Where does Judaism's consummate focus on action & changing the world come from?

'Now G-d appeared to [Abraham]. And [Abraham] lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, three men were standing near him...And he said, "My L-rd..please do not leave.." And Abraham hastened..to the cattle, and he took a calf, tender and good...' (Genesis 18:1-8) At first glance, this seems to be just another example of the great love that the 1st Jew, Abraham our forefather, had for every person. But if we think about it for a second, this story is crazy! Here we have the holiest, most spiritual person on the planet, and G-d has chosen to reward him by visiting him and communicating. Instead of reveling in this unbelievable experience, Abraham sees 3 travelers and sends G-d an away message, and runs after them to invite them for lunch! But that's what Abraham, and the Torah, is teaching us: All of our spiritual efforts, our learning of Torah & prayer, should sensitize & instruct us how to help others in need.

Every Jew's spiritual DNA -your soul - contains a spark of Abraham's soul. And Abraham personified the Jewish spirit of desiring to revolutionize, to change the world. It's not an accident that even though we make up 0.2% of the world's population, Jews have won 21% of Nobel prizes (32% in the 21st century); or that the creators of Google, Facebook, cell phones & voicemail, as well as Einstein, Freud, Marx and Frankl, are Jewish. The Jewish spirit mirrors Abraham, yearning to revolutionize the world and make an impact.

On Shavuot night, we try to stay up later (some of us all night!), learning various topics of Jewish wisdom, all culled from the most trans formative book in history: The Torah. Of primary importance is the hearing of the reading of the 10 commandments on Wednesday morning, the 10 calls to action. The Jewish soul may desire to affect the world, but how can one channel that spirit and energy in the proper direction? Through the wisdom, directives, and lessons of the Torah. Wishing you a very happy and healthy receiving of the Torah on this Shavuot!