* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
1. Today (Wednesday) we observe the first of the month of Sivan. Chodesh tov.
2. What do we do to grant special recognition to the first day of every Hebrew month? We add an extra prayer (Ya’aleh Ve’yavo) into the Amidah prayer and into Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meal). In the morning we also add Hallel (a series of celebratory psalms) to our regular prayers. There are other halachot and customs that increase our joy and sense of renewal every Rosh Chodesh.
3. But there is something about the month of Sivan that imparts to it unrivaled importance among the months of the year. Today, the first of Sivan, the nation of Israel camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Our commentators explain that there was a kind of unity among the people that had never been seen before; they were “as one person with one heart.” And then, on the sixth of Sivan, Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) — which we mark with the holiday of Shavuot — took place. And now, after 49 days of Sefirat HaOmer (counting the Omer), we will gather together as we did 3,337 years ago to receive our identity anew. Are we prepared for this momentous event?
Chodesh tov and, six days from now, chag sameach.
Sivan’s new article for Chag Shavuot from the YUs magazine - Torah To-Go:
