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From Passover to Shavuot: A Reflection on Sinai, Unity, and the Gift of Torah
By: Rabbi Ezriel Mantsur
The connection between Passover and Shavuot is firmly established by our Sages.
As we approach the holiday of Shavuot, let us recall the words in the Haggadah, in the Dayenu: “If HaShem had merely brought us to Mount Sinai and not given us the Torah… Dayenu (enough).” What benefit would we have gained by simply being brought closer to Mount Sinai, without receiving the Torah? Indeed, our commentaries state that Mount Sinai was a lowly mountain, so it was not much of a sight compared to the other magnificent mountains.
Furthermore, a closer look at the Dayenu reveals that every statement enumerates a benefit. For example, it states, “If Hashem had merely executed judgment against the Egyptians but not against their gods… dayenu.” The judgment against the Egyptians stands alone as a benefit. Or:
“If HaShem had merely fed us manna but not given us the Shabbat… dayenu.” Again, the benefit of being fed manna is discernible.
So, the question is: what was the benefit of merely bringing us to Mount Sinai, even if we did not receive the Torah?
It can be explained that it is well known that human beings differ in their opinions, and each person has a unique approach and way of thinking that is different from others. Generally, this causes separation between individuals. However, at the time of Mount Sinai, the reality changed, and all of Israel drew close together as one man with one heart, without division. As our Sages have commented on the Torah’s use of the singular version of encamp, “Vayichan,” as opposed to the plural version, “Vayachanu”.
All of Israel, while standing at Mount Sinai, had a unified thought, as one body. For this, we give thanks and say that if only this action had been done for His people Israel, gathering them to such a moment where they would all be like one man with one heart, that would have sufficed (dayenu).
How fortunate we are to receive the wonderful Torah!
I bless my dear friends with wishes for many pleasant and good years, a peaceful and blessed Shabbat, and much success. Amen.
