Accepting the Torah anew

The Yerushalmi states that each Shavuos, we accept the Torah anew. On reflection, though, how can we undertake the immense responsibility that the Torah demands of us?

We all know that time flies by quickly when you are having fun. When engaged in an enjoyable activity, we do not tire so quickly and can keep going, even when the activity requires much effort. On the other hand, a task we dislike feels burdensome from the start. The key to accepting the Torah is to appreciate it.

A love of learning that was contagious

I was privileged to study in Kollel at the Yeshiva of Rabbi Dovid Trenk, zt”l, a legendary educator. The Rosh Kollel was his illustrious son, R’ Elimelech, and it was established to bring a real Torah environment into the yeshiva. The kollel members dedicated their time to learning and didn’t interact much with the students or other faculty, including Rabbi Trenk. Yet, the excitement, respect, and love that Rabbi Trenk had for each word of the Torah were contagious. He could never get enough of it, and he made the kollel members feel like they were the greatest gift to the world. It was evident that he understood the sanctity of each word.

Every letter, word and moment

Shavuos is about significant commitments. But to achieve one’s spiritual goals, it’s essential to appreciate every letter, word, and moment spent learning.