We Stand Before G-D Today
- WireNews
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
by Ram ben Ze'ev
Last night, with the counting of the forty-ninth day of the עומר (Omer), we completed the sacred count that began on the second night of פסח (Pesach). Now, this evening, as חג השבועות (Chag HaShavuot) begins, we stand before G-D — not to count, but to receive.
In the days of the בית המקדש (Beit HaMikdash, Holy Temple), this day was marked by bringing a new meal offering before the L-RD: שני הלחם (shtei haLechem), two loaves of leavened bread from the new wheat harvest. This offering symbolised both gratitude for material sustenance and dedication of all our labour to G-D.
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Today, though we lack the physical Temple, we do not lack the essence of this offering.
Through the forty-nine days of counting, we have prepared ourselves. Each day was a step of inner refinement, each night a new ascent toward holiness. Now, on the fiftieth day, we no longer count — we present ourselves.
It is written that when the nation of Israel stood at הר סיני (Har Sinai, Mount Sinai), they proclaimed as one: נעשה ונשמע (naaseh venishma, we will do and we will hear). They accepted upon themselves עול מלכות שמים (ol malchut shamayim, the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven), and bound themselves eternally to G-D and His תורה (Torah).
Each year, on this night of Shavuot, we return to that moment. We do not merely remember — we stand anew before G-D. The true new meal offering we bring today is the offering of ourselves: renewed faith, deepened understanding, refined character, and a heart ready to receive His Torah again.
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In a generation that often runs from holiness, to stand before G-D with humility and love is itself an act of courage and devotion. We stand as ישראל (Yisrael), the holy nation, declaring once again that we choose G-D and His Torah.
May this Shavuot be for all Israel a time of renewed acceptance, a time of blessing, and may we soon merit to bring the physical offerings in a rebuilt בית המקדש in ירושלים (Yerushalayim), speedily in our days.
חג שבועות שמח
A joyous and meaningful Shavuot to all.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue
