On Shavous we wish each other a Chag Sameach. The Lubavitcher Rebbe would add a special greeting: “Kabbalas HaTorah B’Simcha U’B’Pnimiyus”, may you receive the Torah with joy and in pnimiyus.
I often wonder what it means to receive the Torah with Pnimiyus. Pnimiyus translates as inwardness or internally. This year I had an insight. When one receives the Torah with a joy that it permeates them and they feel like they have truly received a gift, then the Torah becomes a personal treasure, something they hold dear.
A result of this perspective is that when it gets tough to feel joyous when observing the Torah commandments, we view and maintain the mitzvahs we do similar to other precious possessions, despite the effort involved and with joy.
All the gifts that we have in our lives take effort to maintain. Good relationships, our car, our health and our happiness, etc. all require effort to keep them functioning and meaningful.
The Rebbe’s blessing perhaps means to receive the Torah as a truly personal gift, in a way that it permeates our existence and naturally brings us joy to be able to maintain it regardless of the effort.
May we all be blessed to have a truly meaningful relationship with G-d and receive the Torah with joy and pnimiyus.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. Schedule for this weekend.
Shabbat
10:00 AM Services
Sunday
10:00 AM Services
11:00 AM 10 Commandments followed by buffet and kiddush
11:00 AM Kids Program followed by Ice Cream Party
Monday
5:30 PM Yizkor Memorial Service
