The real meaning of 'Naaseh V'Nishma' after Oct. 7

(JNS) — Every year around Shavuot, people start talking about cheesecake, all-night learning and staying awake until sunrise.

And honestly, I love all of it.

There is something powerful about walking into a synagogue late at night and seeing Jews still learning Torah together. In a world that moves so fast, there is something beautiful about traditions that have lasted thousands of years.

But this year, I keep thinking about a more foundational part of Shavuot. I keep thinking about Mount Sinai. Not just as a moment when the Torah was given, but as the moment the Jewish people accepted respons...