1. Shavuos Torah Reading and Calendar Differences
This week, because the second day of Yom Tov—festival—in Chutz La’aretz—the Diaspora—falls on Shabbos, we will not be reading the portion of Nassau as is done in Eretz Yisroel. Instead, our Torah reading will focus on Shavuos. In Israel, they will already be reading Nassau this week, while we will catch up next week. This creates a temporary difference between the Torah readings in Eretz Yisroel and the Diaspora, but it will be resolved later in the season. Today’s class will focus on Shavuos and its unique aspects, including some insights about Erev Shavuos. The discussion is based on two talks from the Rebbe found in Volume 28, addressing both Shavuos itself and its eve.2. The Three Festivals and Their Distinctions
The Jewish people were commanded to come to the Beis Hamikdash—the Holy Temple—in Yerushalayim for three festivals known as the Shalosh Regalim. The term “Regalim” literally means “feet,” referencing the pilgrimage made by foot three times a year: Pesach, Sukkos, and Shavuos. There are notable differences among these holidays. Pesach and Sukkos each last seven days according to the Torah (with an eighth day observed in Chutz La’aretz). Sukkos also includes Shemini Atzeres as a separate festival. In contrast, Shavuos is only one day from a Torah perspective. This distinction sets Shavuos apart from Pesach and Sukkos and leads to unique laws and customs associated with it.3. The Mitzvah of Joy on Shavuos
One of the special aspects of Shavuos is the mitzvah to physically enjoy the holiday. We celebrate with ice cream parties, blintzes, and festive meals to attract even young children to hear the Aseres HaDibros—the Ten Commandments—as encouraged by the Rebbe. There is an actual mitzvah to have a beautiful, tasty meal on Shavuos. The Talmud discusses an apparent contradiction between verses regarding how to celebrate festivals: one verse calls it a festival for Hashem (Chag LaHashem)—implying spiritual pursuits like prayer and Torah study—while another calls it a festival for you (Chag Lachem)—implying physical enjoyment. The Talmud offers two opinions: either one can choose how to divide their time between spiritual and physical celebration, or one must split the day half for Hashem (chatzi l’Hashem) and half for oneself (chatzi lachem). However, when it comes to Shavuos, all agree that there must be physical enjoyment—good food and happiness—to show appreciation for receiving the Torah.4. Appreciating Hashem’s Gift: The Torah as a Treasure
On Shavuos we commemorate receiving the Torah—a hidden treasure that Hashem gave us despite objections from the angels who felt it should remain in heaven. Moshe Rabbeinu argued that humans need it more due to their struggles with their yetzer hara—evil inclination. Receiving a gift requires acknowledgment and appreciation. Just as one would feel slighted if their gift was ignored or regifted without gratitude, so too with Hashem’s gift of Torah. If we only engage in spiritual activities on Shavuos without expressing joy as people—through eating and celebrating—it may seem we do not truly appreciate this treasure. Therefore, as explained by the Rebbe in his writings, our celebration must include visible joy—eating, drinking, being happy—to show Hashem that we are grateful for His precious gift.5. Halachic Insights: Korbanos on Yom Tov and Shavuos
On Yom Tov work is generally prohibited except for activities related to food preparation (Eichel Nefesh). This allows us to cook fresh meals so that our enjoyment is maximized. Regarding sacrifices (korbanos) brought on Yom Tov: some offerings like the Korban Olah, which is entirely burnt on the altar for Hashem with no human consumption, raise halachic questions about whether they may be brought on Yom Tov itself since they do not directly enhance human enjoyment. Beyshamayim holds that such korbanos should not be brought on Yom Tov but rather after it since there are seven days available for bringing them. Beys Hillel, however, argues that it would be embarrassing for a person’s table to be full while Hashem’s altar remains empty; thus even non-edible korbanos serve a purpose by allowing us to feel complete joy. Nevertheless, in practice even Beys Hillel did not bring these korbanos on the first day of Shavuos but waited until after Yom Tov. The Rebbe explains this is because on Shavuos especially there is an emphasis that all aspects of celebration should involve personal enjoyment—demonstrating our happiness with receiving the Torah—so only those offerings which could be eaten were brought on Yom Tov itself. This highlights how Shavuos stands apart from other festivals: its celebration must visibly reflect our appreciation through physical pleasure as well as spiritual devotion.6. Preparing for Matan Torah: Unity and Acceptance
As we approach Shavuos each year, we recall how Bnei Yisroel camped at Har Sinai “as one person with one heart”—a unique unity not seen at other encampments according to Rashi. They prepared themselves over five days (according to most opinions), culminating in receiving the Torah. Preparation included saying “Naseh v’nishma—we will do and we will listen”—accepting Hashem’s commandments even before knowing what they entailed. The Talmud relates how a non-Jew questioned this approach as rash or naive; however, our willingness reflects deep trust that Hashem would never command something beyond our ability. This attitude prepares us spiritually for Matan Torah each year: accepting Hashem’s will wholeheartedly brings down special strength from above enabling us to fulfill His mitzvos.7. The Sanctity of Erev Yom Tov and Days of Preparation
There is significance not only in Yom Tov itself but also in its eve (Erev Yom Tov). Just as some take in Shabbos early or refrain from certain prayers after midday due to its sanctity spilling over into Friday afternoon, so too does Erev Pesach acquire special status through bringing the Korban Pesach before nightfall. The Rebbe emphasizes that already by the fifth day before Matan Torah (the 1st of Sivan), elements of revelation began according to halacha and tradition. Our preparations during these days become part of receiving the Torah itself—the process starts before Shavuos arrives.8. Internalizing Joyful Acceptance of Torah
The blessing traditionally given before Matan Torah is “to receive the Torah with joy (b’simcha) and inwardness (b’pnimius).” Joy means showing Hashem our excitement—it is not a burden but an honor—and inwardness means internalizing what we receive so it becomes part of who we are rather than remaining superficial. Through this approach—celebrating joyfully both physically and spiritually—we bring peace upon ourselves and all Israel (sholem b’amal yisrael). May this year’s Matan Torah bring true harmony among all nations so that Hashem blesses His people with lasting peace.