This post by Rabbi Kenigsberg was written for Hanassi Highlights, Shavuot and parashat Tzav.
What is the ideal way to spend Yom Tov?
Should the day be devoted entirely to spiritual pursuits—hours
of tefillah, intensive Torah learning, and complete immersion in avodat
Hashem? Or should Yom Tov also include physical enjoyment: good food, rest,
and celebration?
The Gemara (Pesachim 68b) records a fascinating debate
between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua. Rabbi Eliezer maintains that a person
may choose one of two paths: “kulo laHashem”—entirely devoted to
spiritual pursuits, or “kulo lachem”—entirely devoted to personal
enjoyment. Rabbi Yehoshua disagrees, arguing that Yom Tov should be divided: “chetzyo
laHashem ve’chetzyo lachem”—half for Hashem and half for ourselves.
Yet remarkably, the Gemara says that on Shavuot there is one
point on which everyone agrees. “Hakol modim be’Atzeret de’ba’inan nami
lachem”—on Shavuot there must
also be an element of “lachem,” of physical enjoyment and celebration.
At first glance, this seems surprising.
The answer is that Shavuot is not only about accepting the
Torah, but about rejoicing in it. The Torah was never meant to be experienced
merely as an obligation reluctantly carried. The inclusion of simchat Yom
Tov within the experience of Shavuot reflects something deeper: that Torah
is meant to shape and enrich life itself. Celebration becomes part of the
religious experience, not a distraction from it.
The Gemara stresses “lachem” specifically on Shavuot.
Physical enjoyment on this festival is not simply permitted; it expresses
something essential about the relationship between Am Yisrael and Torah. A
person celebrates what they value. The festive meals, hospitality, and atmosphere
of the chag are themselves part of how we mark the preciousness of Torah.
Perhaps that is part of what Chazal wanted us to experience:
not a Judaism detached from ordinary life, nor a spirituality that rejects joy
and physicality, but a Torah woven naturally into the fullness of human
experience.
That may be why Shavuot is celebrated not only through
learning, but also through simcha—because the deepest relationship to Torah is
marked not only by commitment, but by joy.
On Shavuot, we celebrate a Torah that is not detached from
life, but one that elevates it. However we celebrate this chag, may we remember
the enduring message of Kabbalat HaTorah: ki hem chayenu ve’orech yameinu—“for
they are our life and the length of our days.”
