03 Jun 2014
Posted by Aliyah 
0 Comment Shavuot is often a holiday many less-than-Orthodox Jews do not observe, or truly understand. That’s why when I read this Op-Ed by David Wolpe on jta.org I thought I would share it.
Wolpe beautifully connects the idea and concept behind the ketubah between a husband and wife, to that of a bond between God and the Jewish people. To read the full article click here.
“The rabbis tell us that the Torah is the ketubah between God and the Jewish people. A ketubah is sometimes called a wedding contract, but it is better called a covenant. It enshrines sacred obligations. Jews are a covenantal people; we are bound to one another and to God by the idea of everlasting, mutual obligation. Sinai was the chuppah, and Shavuot is our anniversary.”
Shavuot is a holiday not solely about eating different kinds of cheesecake (although that is important!) I can’t help but think of so many couples who are just like Ruth, in The Book of Ruth, which is read on Shavuot. Wolpe explains, “When Ruth declares to Naomi, “Your people shall be my people and your God my God,” she epitomizes the covenantal message of mutual interdependence, past and future, the dual covenant of faith and of fate.” Just as Ruth took on the traditions of the Jewish people and followed her dead husband’s mother Naomi, I am reminded of the many interfaith spouses who respect and follow in their Jewish spouses’ traditions.
I can’t help but think of so many couples who are just like Ruth, in The Book of Ruth, which is read on Shavuot.
When I was talking to a coworker at Ketubah.com about this post and she has this wonderful idea about Shavuot. “I try to give people the message of how powerful of a moment it was for everyone to experience mayan Torah (the receiving of the Torah) all together [as a Jewish people].” She showed me this modern video to convey that feeling.
“I love it, it gives me chills every time and definitely shows how powerful bringing people together can be.” -Sarit
From everyone at Ketubah.com and Jewish Wedding Blog, Happy Shavuot and enjoy your cheesecake!
