Volume 26 Issue 15 26 May 2017 1 Sivan 5777

The Jewish census and Shavu’ot similes

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Studies Primary

The Jewish Census

Parashat BeMidbar Numbers 1:1 – 4:20

This week we begin a new book in the Torah, the book of Numbers, in Hebrew called BeMidbar, means ‘In the Wilderness of Sinai’. The book received its name based upon the census discussed in the first parasha. God told Moses to count the entire community of the sons of Israel by counting the names of all males 20 years old and upward. The Levites were not allowed to number themselves among them, as they had a special role attending to the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each of the descendants of Aaron (Moses’ brother) were anointed as priests (Kohanim),

Family discussion

  • What can we do to make ‘everyone count’, or to feel included and valued, in our community?
  • Being BaMidbar – in the wilderness or in nature – can be a spiritual experience. Share stories of when you have been in the desert or have experienced nature in a spiritual way. How can nature assist us in our spiritual growth?  

Student similes for Shavu’ot

During Jewish Studies lessons in the lead up to Shavu’ot, we have been asking students to create their own similes comparing the Torah to various aspect of nature, following a much loved tradition of likening the Torah to various foods and elements in nature. The students’ similes have been collected and will be placed onto a sefer, or scroll, that will be displayed as part of our Shavu’ot celebrations on Monday.

Here is a sample of the beautiful Torah similes created by our Primary students.

The Torah is like fire because:

  • each word is powerful like a flame
  • when people stop believing and studying the Torah, the flame gets blown away
  • it ignites us and brings us closer. The Torah is very important because it shines a light that people can follow
  • it is always burning and it’s a place for the community to gather around. The Torah gives us life and lights up our world.

The Torah is like water because:

  • its words of wisdom wash over me and can cleanse me
  • it is like a well… really deep.

The Torah is like a tree because:

  • it has many mitzvot and teachings, like the branches and leaves of a tree
  • it provides us with shelter and nourishment
  • it is as beautiful as trees
  • our understanding grows like tree wings
  • the Torah is as strong as the roots of a tree.

Shavu’ot –  שבועות

Shavu’ot is called Zman Matan Torateinu, The Time of the Giving of our Torah, and celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. We count the 49 days (seven lots of weeks) of the Omer from the second night of Pesach and Shavu’ot falls on the 50th day. In Biblical times, Shavu’ot also marked the beginning of the new agricultural season and was called Chag HaKatzir, The Harvest Holiday. Shavuot is also known as the Feast of Weeks and Chag HaBikurim, meaning The Holiday of First Fruits.

During the Temple times, Jews made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to bring their first fruits to the Temple on Shavu’ot. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, Shavu’ot was linked with the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai to the Jewish people.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot: On Shavu’ot we study Torah and engage in Jewish learning all night. On Monday evening, our Year 11 students will be participating in Tikkun Leil Shavu’ot at school.

Aseret Hadibrot and Megilat Ruth: Reading the Aseret Hadibrot (the 10 Utterances) and the Scroll of Ruth. Ruth was the first convert to Judaism, reflecting our acceptance of the Torah on Shavu’ot.

Decorating with greenery: This custom is based on midrashim that described how the barren mountain burst with plants, spices and roses as the Torah was being given.

Dairy foods: Dairy foods and cheesecake are Shavu’ot favourites. One reason is because an alternative name for Mount Sinai is Har Gav’nunim, the Mountain of Majestic Peaks. The Hebrew word for cheese is gevinah, etymologically related to Har Gav’nunim.