Dear friends,
The 613 commandments of the Torah are our map for traversing the spiritual path of the Torah. As in good music, each commandment harmonizes with the others, allowing us to weave holiness into every aspect of life.
Observing Shabbat, keeping kosher, reciting blessings - through these sacred acts, we become one with HaShem, Our God. By embodying Torah's teachings in everything we do we plant God in our lives, and through us - in the world.
Do not be overwhelmed by the huge number of 613 commandments. This journey is made one faithful deed at a time. Start from where you are, allowing the holiness to gradually illuminate your life.
Increase your Torah study and observance. Fill your homes with the Torah's wisdom. Through this, you will discover the essence of your soul. We, in Hebrew Bible Study, created this platform for you, so you could climb this ladder stretching between heaven and earth.
Now, that the festival of Shavuot is over and the Torah was given to us - it's time to increase and intensify your engagement. Remember - only ongoing commitment brings results. Are you ready? Join one of our learning programs today! Click here and choose the relevant course for you out of our wide range of offerings.
As we move forward from Shavuot, we wish you to advance from strength to strength, firmly planted on the path of Torah!
To conclude, we bring you a Piyut, a traditional hymn related to Shavuot, singing the praise of the Torah. The words are ancient, the author is unknown, the tune is Sephardi, and well known. In Hebrew, the lines follow the Aleph Beit, in a repeating order - First Adonai, God, The Son of Amram, Moses, the Torah and finally Israel. Here is my English translation, followed by a traditional performance of it, taken in Jerusalem, the Holly city of King David:
From the mouth of God, from the mouth of God,
all Israel shall be blessed.
There is none as mighty as the Lord,
and none as blessed as the son of Amram.
There is nothing as great as the Torah,
and none who expound it like Israel.
From the mouth of God, from the mouth of God,
all Israel shall be blessed.
There is none as splendid as the Lord,
and none as venerable as the son of Amram.
There is no honor like the Torah's,
and none who study it like Israel.
From the mouth of God, from the mouth of God,
all Israel shall be blessed.
There is no guardian like the Lord,
and none as whole as the son of Amram.
There is none as pure as the Torah,
and none as upright as Israel.
From the mouth of God, from the mouth of God,
all Israel shall be blessed.
There is no king like the Lord,
and no prophet like the son of Amram.
There is nothing as established as the Torah,
and none who uphold it like Israel.
From the mouth of God, from the mouth of God,
all Israel shall be blessed.