The week ahead is rich with meaning and sacred rhythm. This Shabbat is Mevarchim Chodesh Sivan—the moment when we bless the coming month of Sivan, a time that holds the festival of Shavuot and is deeply tied to themes of wisdom and revelation. The arrival of Sivan invites us to recall the collective memory of Sinai, when our People stood as one and embraced the weight and beauty of sacred responsibility. What does it mean to belong to a People today? What are our responsibilities—to each other, to our community, to Israel, to Jews around the world? As we look toward the new moon and the spiritual unfolding of this month, may we each find time to reflect on our commitments, renew our intentions, and recommit ourselves to learning, connection, and shared purpose.
As we approach the month of Sivan, we read the double portion Behar-Bechukotai, which concludes the book of Leviticus. These portions offer a vision of a society rooted in justice, rest, and spiritual awareness. In Bechukotai, we encounter the verse: “V’natati shalom ba’aretz”—“I will grant peace in the land” (Leviticus 26:6). It is a promise that resonates as powerfully today as it did for our ancestors. We pray for the wisdom to cultivate peace—in our homes, in our communities, and in our Homeland. The return of hostage Edan Alexander last week felt like one step closer to realizing that promise. And on this Shabbat of dual Torah portions, we are blessed to celebrate two B’nai Mitzvah—double the joy, double the blessing—as we witness the next generation embrace their sacred role in our tradition and in the ongoing work of peacemaking, with open hearts and growing wisdom.
And lastly, how fitting that tonight we count the 36th day of the Omer—an echo of this week’s theme of doubling. Thirty-six, twice 18, is double chai—double life—a powerful moment to double our hopes. In Jewish tradition, 18 symbolizes life and vitality; reaching 36 in our Omer count reminds us of the abundance and layered holiness of this season, reflected so vividly in the natural world around us, as every flower blooms and every bee buzzes. As we journey from the liberation of Passover toward the revelation of Shavuot in the month of Sivan, may we carry with us the energy of renewal, the depth of Torah, and the joy of shared celebration.
Shavuah tov, to a good week ahead.