HALACHA OF THE WEEK: BIRKOT Ha-TORAH ON SHAVUOT MORNING
Every morning, before we begin to learn, we recite a special bracha for the mitzva of Torah study. This bracha is so natural and expected, that it has become part of the daily davening. But what happens when a person is up all night? Is this bracha necessary the next morning, or should it be skipped?
The answer is that some authorities maintain that it's not necessary, since the bracha of the day before is still in effect. Others rule that this bracha must be said each morning regardless of whether or not one slept [Shulchan Aruch Harav, Orech Chayim 47:7; Aruch HaShulchan ibid., 23; Kaf HaChayim ibid., 26].
According to the Mishna Berura [Shulchan Aruch, Orech Chayim 47:28], this debate remains unresolved and therefore following options are recommended - either listen to the brachot from someone who did sleep, or before Shema, when reciting the paragraph of Ahavah Rabbah use that blessing to fulfill one's obligation.
Two other options are: 1) if one slept on erev Shavuot (even for just 1/2 hour) the bracha should be said [Mishna Berura ibid., quoting Rabbi Akiva Eiger]; and 2) when reciting the bracha on erev Shavuot morning, clearly stipulate that it should only be in effect until the next morning [Luach Eretz Yisrael in the name of Rabbi Yosef Teumim].
DVAR TORAH
There is a well-known midrash [Shir HaShirim Rabbah 1:4], which describes G-d asking for a guarantor for Torah before giving the Torah to the Jews. After rejecting our forefathers, and our prophets as the guarantors, ultimately, G-d agrees that JHe will accept the Jewish children as guarantors.
Why would G-d reject the giants of Jewish history and accept the children?
Perhaps the answer is that when G-d was giving us the Torah, he wanted us to accept it with both the innocence and obedience of a child. For while we are always encouraged to question and seek greater depth in learning, ultimately, the guarantee of our Torah observance is what is referred to as "Emunah Peshuta" - a simple faith, a belief that accepts G-d as our Master and Sustainer.
That is one of the core ideas to remember at this time of Shavuot - to approach Torah with a child's curiosity. To ask questions because we want to understand more, and not because we are skeptics or doubters.
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