In order to receive the Torah in an even superior state of completeness, we should make a determined resolution to increase in tzedakah—again and again—and a third time too.
Erev Shavuos—Tzedakah
We should give extra tzedakah on the day before Shavuos.
By raising our normal tzedakah contributions to a completely new level—creating a pesichah chadashah (“new opening”) on this day, we will open new spiritual channels of blessing from G-d. These new channels will allow His bountiful blessings in all matters to flow more generously—from His “full, open, holy and generous hand.”
Not only is tzedakah one of the pillars of the world, but it also includes the entire Torah, as explained in Torah Or, Ma’amar bachodesh hashlishi. Tzedakah is associated with the Giving of the Torah, as the Alter Rebbe explains: “…Tzedakah includes the entire Torah, which is itself referred to by the name ‘Tzedakah.’” (Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Sivan 6, 5748. Hisvaaduyos, p. 247) See also night of Sivan 5, ibid., p. 248.
Three Crowns at Sinai
Note the statement in Ma’amar entitled Tze’enah u’Re’enah, Sivan 7, 5749, p. 258 and Sivan 6, 5748, p. 215—that in addition to the two “crowns” given to the Jews at Sinai, one for declaring na’aseh (“We will do”) and the other for declaring nishmah (“We will hear”), there was also a third crown for preceding na’aseh to nishmah. King and princes: There it is explained that these are the same three crowns referred to in Vayikra Rabbah, Parshas Kedoshim 23:12—two of which (the crown of na’aseh and the crown of nishmah) the King (G-d) placed on the heads of His sons (the Jewish people). He placed the third crown (the crown of “preceding na’aseh to nishmah”) on His own “head.” Three pillars: As is known, for example, see Sefer Hama’amarim 5749, p. 262 and 264—these three crowns are also the three fundamental pillars of Torah study, prayer and acts of kindness. Clearly, then, these three activities are especially relevant to the fifth of Sivan—the day on which the Jews preceded na’aseh to nishmah, thereby eliciting these crowns.
Unlimited
After all, the Giving of the Torah began with the declaration: anochi Hashem Elokecha asher hotzeiticha mei’eretz Mitzrayim—“I am Hashem your G-d, Who took you out from the land of Egypt (mitzrayim).” This declaration removed us from all limitations (mitzarim), causing us to become united with Anochi (“I am”—G-d’s Essence), the Giver of the Torah…
We should most definitely increase our study of Torah.
