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The main theme of the recent holiday of Shavuot in Rabbinic Judaism is a recognition that mankind heard and recognized the commanding voice of G-d at Sinai. Torah and Rabbinic literature are believed to embody the commanding voice of Hashem, with direct quotes in the Tanach and citation by rabbis in
the Midrash. Traditional Judaism views the rabbis and the legal tradition as guides to the details of the expectations or ways to be followed. These are called the Halachot (ways) or Mitzvot of the tradition.

Pesach has the Seder and matzot; Succot has the succah and lulav. A distinguishing element of the festival of Shavuot is the absence of any concrete symbol to represent the concept of Matan Torah (revelation), i.e., the giving of the Torah. While the holiday of Shavuot in Temple times had the Bikurim (fruit harvest), as did all the festivals, nothing remains as a halachic symbol.

This absence may have led to the development of many of today's customs, such as eating dairy and Tikun Leil Shavuot (studying Torah all
night). Still, these folk-customs do not create a symbol for the majesty of G-d entering history and connecting with mankind with obligations
to be holy, do good and be exemplars of moral behaviour.

At Associated, we understand that we try to hear the voice of G-d and the moral-commanding voice through the study of Torah. Such emphasis is put in our elementary Torah curriculum to connect our students with the belief that the Torah is our source of wisdom and direction, as it is interpreted throughout the generations. Our emphasis on Hebrew allows real engagement with our primary sources and the ability to interpret them with both traditional and modern eyes.

We celebrate a tradition that believes there is a commanding voice. That voice may come from within the tradition or be the voice of reason that we hear in the back of our heads when we make a moral choice. It is exciting that at AHS we can still connect to an ancient tradition because we have accepted Torah as a relevant source of inspiration throughout Jewish history.