Shavuot = Graduation

by Michalee Merritt

As I sit here and think about Shavuot, I think of the transition of the ancient Israelites into a religious community. We were given the Torah on Mount Sinai. It was a contract between us and G-d. 

My youngest son graduated from high school a few weeks ago. As the students were counting down the days until graduation, I thought of Shavuot and counting the seven weeks of the Omer. Then, on graduation day, the charge was given to all of the students by the Head of School and other speakers: “Go forth and take on all that life has to give, be accepting of all things, continue to learn and grow, and always come back to your roots.” My son received his diploma and I see it as a contract to continue being a student and never stop learning.