Rabbi Maurice Lamm, writes the following account:
“Photo archives from the Warsaw ghetto show a door of an inn that read, “Society of Wagon Drivers for the Study of Talmud in Warsaw.” This referred to coachmen who seized a few moments from their work to gather in a group to “nosh” (grab a tasty morsel of) a page of Talmud. . .. These were not intellectuals, concerned only with the intricacies of scholastic dialectics: they were deeply religious men thirsting for spiritual refreshment and they found it, as countless generations of Jews before them, in the study of Torah.”
A beautiful account, underscoring the deep affection that the we have for the Torah.
The Torah is G-d’s treasure that he shared with his beloved people Am Yisrael.
Starting this Sunday night through Tuesday we will celebrate Shavuot, the holiday where we read the ten commandments, reliving that moment when we received the Torah 3337 years ago.
It is true when we study Torah, we will find the answer to life’s questions and challenges. Torah teaches us how to live a good Jewish life. Although this is true, the Torah is a lot more than that.
The very study of Torah is the purpose. The study of Torah is not just a means to an end it is the end. Torah is G-d’s wisdom. When we study it, we are consumers of G-d’s wisdom going into our minds, into our system. That’s powerful.
Applying ourselves to Torah study can really change us. It gives us the ability to look at the world from a better perspective. From a different view point.
This Shavuot, let’s think of new opportunities to study Torah and really utilise the treasure we were given. Today there are so many relevant and inspiring classes. Whether its online or in person, the Torah is G-d gift to you.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!
