Bamidbar- Shavuot
As we approach Shavuot I have been working up my appetite for my all favorite cheesecake!
There are many reasons given for eating milky over Shavuot some of which we will discuss at Monday’s discussion – yes over cheesecake!
Usually I write original pieces for this section but on this occasion I would like to share a very interesting chassidic take on cheesecake by Rabbi Aron Moss:
The teachings of Chasssidus in general is a perspective of Torah that helps us connect to the deeper and inner experience of the Torah and its Mitzvot.
He writes as follows
We can simulate this miracle in our own lives. Blood represents raw animalistic passion and untamed instinct. Milk is a symbol of refinement and purity of character. Making milk out of blood – refining our lower instincts – is our life goal .
The Torah introduced a radical new path to achieve this goal – the divine commands. Through engaging in simple acts of goodness and sanctity, we can tame our animalistic instincts and align ourselves with the divine. With each individual act we elevate ourselves and our world another step, gradually transforming a rough and untamed existence into a home for G‑d. We can turn our blood into milk.
I also love cheesecake. But this year as we eat it, let’s remember the message behind it – that the Torah was given to transform our selfish appetites into an appetite for giving; to turn our blood, which is just for ourselves, into milk, the one thing the body produces just to give to another.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!