I’m not sure if it’s because I grew up on movies like Back to the Future and The Butterfly Effect, but I think a lot about time travel. I have always been fascinated by the concept of mere humans ripping holes in reality and riding the rollercoaster of histories past and future! But it’s not only a fascination… it’s a personal practice. As Jews, we frequently participate in time travel! Let me explain…
Tonight begins the festival of Shavuot, our annual celebration of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. This holiday comes at the conclusion of the period of the Omer, when we count the days between Pesach and now, the days between liberation and revelation. For 49 days, we have lived this journey, becoming a little more free and a little bit closer to Torah each day.
And now we are here… and we are there! Our ancient rabbis reflected in Midrash and in the Talmud that all Jews were present at Sinai. We all received the Torah and became a nation together. Then and now, we are present and open to receive, in pursuit of freedom, truth, and a future all our own!
On Shavuot, we revisit our shared past and access ancient memories of trembling mountains and colorful sights and sounds. We travel backwards to the moment our eyes were collectively opened so that we can more clearly see the future toward which we strive. Our time travel as Jews is complex; we go backwards in time to propel us forward, all while remaining committed to a vibrant present. It is a challenging and holy journey, and it is one we can travel with Torah as our guide. Chag Shavuot Sameach!