1. The Torah Reading Cycle: Diaspora and Israel Differences
This week’s portion is Noso—the second parsha in Sefer Bamidbar. However, there is a discrepancy between the Torah reading cycle in the Diaspora and in Israel. In the Diaspora, Shavuos was observed for two days this year, with Friday as the first day and Shabbos as the second. Because of this, on Shabbos we read the special Torah reading for Yom Tov rather than the regular weekly portion of Noso. We also recited Yizkor—the memorial prayer—and observed all customs for the second day of Yom Tov.
In Israel, however, Shavuos is only one day. Their Yom Tov ended on Friday, so on Shabbos they read Noso as usual. This creates a situation where, for several weeks, communities in Israel and those outside are reading different portions each Shabbos until later in the summer when the cycles realign. For example, this coming Shabbos we will read Noso, while in Israel they already read it last week and will move on to Bahaloscha. This discrepancy can raise practical questions for travelers between Israel and the Diaspora regarding which parsha to read or hear.
2. The Seven Days Following Shavuos: Ongoing Connection
Although it may feel like Shavuos was long ago, there is a halachic connection that extends beyond the festival itself. After Shavuos, there are seven days during which one can still bring certain offerings (korbanos) that were not brought on Yom Tov itself. This period maintains a spiritual link to Shavuos even though it falls during regular weekdays.
During these days, certain liturgical changes remain in effect. For example, we do not recite Tachanon—supplicatory prayers—as noted by the Alter Rebbe in his Siddur. This practice continues through the 12th of Sivan; today being the 10th means we are still within this special time frame.
3. Dedication: Remembering a Loved One with Torah Study
I would like to dedicate today’s learning to the memory of my father-in-law, my wife’s father, whose yortzait—anniversary of passing—is today, the 10th of Sivan. It also happens to be our wedding anniversary. His passing on this date connects our learning and remembrance to both personal and communal significance.
This ongoing connection to Shavuos is meaningful when remembering loved ones who embodied qualities associated with receiving the Torah.
4. The Theme of Humility: Lessons from Har Sinai and Personal Example
One of my father-in-law’s outstanding characteristics was his humility. He did not carry himself with arrogance or haughtiness but lived simply and modestly. This trait echoes why Hashem chose Har Sinai—the smallest mountain—for giving the Torah: Hashem values humility over self-importance.
The sages teach that Hashem cannot dwell with someone who is arrogant because such a person leaves no room for Him. True humility comes from recognizing that Hashem is ultimately in charge of everything. As we remain within these post-Shavuos days, we are reminded to continue cultivating humility as part of our spiritual growth.
5. Elevating Weekdays: Bringing Holiness into Daily Life
The unique aspect of these seven post-Shavuos days is that although they are regular weekdays, they retain a connection to holiness through the possibility of bringing offerings for Shavuos. On Pesach and Sukkos, additional offerings are brought during days that are themselves still part of Yom Tov; here, however, weekday activities become infused with sanctity through these residual mitzvos.
This reflects a broader message of Torah: elevating mundane activities by performing them for Hashem’s sake transforms them into mitzvos and leaves an imprint on ordinary life. The power of Shavuos thus extends into our daily routine by drawing holiness into even seemingly secular moments.
6. Honoring Torah: The Special Role of Carrying the Ark
The parsha discusses how the Levites carried not only the Ark (aron) but all vessels (keilim) of the Mishkan. However, carrying the Ark was unique because it contained the Torah itself and required special respect—it was carried specifically on their shoulders as a sign of honor.
This detail is highlighted in Tanach when improper handling of the Ark led to tragedy because its sanctity was not properly respected. The lesson is clear: honoring Torah and those who study it is paramount.
7. Personal Legacy: Respect for Torah Study
This theme resonates personally as well: my father-in-law had immense respect for people dedicated to Torah study. When it came time for his daughter’s marriage, he insisted she marry someone who would devote himself to learning Torah because he valued its importance so highly.
This parallels carrying the Ark respectfully upon one’s shoulders—a metaphor for upholding Torah with dignity and reverence so its influence continues through future generations.