Everyone is learning on Shavuos. Even those who aren’t the world’s greatest masmidim stay up the entire night learning, something they would never dream of doing any other time. One can walk away from the Yom Tov thinking or feeling, “Yom Tov was beautiful. I enjoyed it, I even learned very well. I showed Hashem that I care about the Torah, but for the rest of the year, it’s not me. I’m not a learner. I’m happy to support Torah and yeshivos, I contribute nicely to all the Rayzeit fundraisers, but sitting and learning isn’t me.” This can leave a person thinking, at least to a degree, that Shavuos is a 48-hour skit, not reality. Shavuos is for the yungerleit, even for the balabatim who are kovei’a 5-6 hours of their day to learning, but not for him.
The sefer תירוש ויצהר quotes the Sfas Emes, who explains that we read Megillas Rus on Shavuos, the Yom Tov of Kabbalas HaTorah, in order to uproot such erroneous thoughts. The story of Rus serves as an example, reminding us that both the learner and the supporter of Torah are partners. Rus was considered a learner because she learned the Torah and converted, and Boaz was the supporter of Torah.
We read Rus on Shavuos to remind ourselves that the supporters are important and vital for the collective Kabbalas HaTorah on Shavuos.
While the Sfas Emes discusses those who support Torah financially, we must not discount the zechus of the heilige nashim tzidkaniyos and their essential role in Kabbalas HaTorah. As much as the men go out and learn, and as crucial as the men who work are to sustain Torah learning, where would we be without our wives, mothers, and sisters? They encourage and support us and our children, uphold the house, take care of the children, and cook, bake, and clean to ensure that the men can utilize their time and the children can sit and learn in yeshivah. What unbelievable supporters of Torah they are! How great is their lot in the Kabbalas HaTorah of Shavuos! They are truly remarkable partners in this sacred endeavor.
Megillas Rus reminds us that while the role of the actual lomdei Torah is paramount, we must also recognize and applaud the vital role of all the supporters of Torah. This includes those who contribute financially and also the women who provide unwavering support and encouragement. We must realize that we are all connected to Kabbalas HaTorah, each playing a crucial part in upholding and perpetuating the holy Torah.
RABBI YAKOV YOSEF SCHECHTER
RABBI DON JARASHOW
