Chosen for what? A Shavuot reflection

(JNS) — From May 21 sundown until May 23 sunset, Jews around the world observed the holiday of Shavuot. Arguably it is the most important of all Jewish holidays because it commemorates God giving, and Jews receiving, the Torah.

Indeed, one of its names is z’man matan Torateynu—“the time of the giving of our Torah.” And of course, without the Torah, there would be no Judaism and (again, arguably) no Jewish people.

Those who were in synagogue for the holiday read and heard Exodus 19 and 20, the traditional Torah selection for this holiday. Exodus 19 tells of the extensive physical and spiritual...