The Jewish holiday of Shavuot began at sundown on Saturday May 26 and ends at sunset on Monday, May 28. The holiday coincides with the Christian Day of Pentecost observed on Sunday, May 27.
In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and Jews are required to read the Torah all night! Reading does not mean memorization or recitation. On the contrary, Jewish tradition involves discussion and wrestling with questions; and doing this all night.
But why?
Simply stated, it is because the Torah is not static. It speaks anew to successive generations and in so doing transforms. Thus every Shavuot is a call to be transformed. A commentary on Exodus (actually Midrash Shmot Rabba 47) shows that when Moses received the Torah, he also received all questions that would be raised in the future.
It is alright, and indeed, it is encouraged to have questions, to ask God questions and to seek clarity. The willingness to question, to inquire, is what leads to transformation. Society needs to continuously be willing to be transformed or it dies spiritually.
It is necessary to question what has come to be accepted as norm. In dealing with any section of society – for example the poor, the needy, the defenseless – the norm needs to be questioned. Seeking answers is indeed willingness to be transformed.
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