Deepen your spiritual readiness for Shavu’ot
Whether you’re new to Torah study or a seasoned scholar, this challenge offers a structured path to engage with texts central to the holiday: revelation, covenant, and joy.
What is the Journey to Sinai Challenge?
As Shavu’ot draws near on May 26–28, 2025, we prepare to celebrate Zmahn Matahn Torah-tehnu, the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This festival invites us to stand again at the foot of the mountain, ready to receive God’s wisdom and guidance anew. How do we make ourselves vessels for such a moment? Through Torah study coupled with reflection and action, guided by the classical works of our Sages who made the vast sea of Torah accessible to the masses, the likes of Rav Sa’adia Ga’on and Maimonides and others.
Welcome to the Journey to Sinai: Shavuot Study Challenge, a program from April 21 to May 31, 2025, designed to deepen your spiritual readiness for Shavu’ot. Whether you’re new to Torah study or a seasoned scholar, this challenge offers a structured path to engage with texts central to the holiday: revelation, covenant, and joy. Over six weeks, you’ll dedicate 15–30 minutes daily to Torah, Mishneh Torah, and reflective questions, preparing your heart and mind for the Tiqun Lel Shavu’ot, the Shavu’ot night study tradition. Join our global community, share your insights with #JourneyToSinai and #ShavuotStudyChallenge, and let’s journey to Sinai together.
Why Study for Shavuot?
Shavu’ot commemorates the moment God entrusted Israel with the Torah, a gift that Maimonides calls ‘the path to human perfection’ (Guide for the Perplexed 3:51). In Mishneh Torah (Hilkhot Talmud Torah 1:1), he writes, “Every Jewish person is obligated to study Torah,” emphasizing that study is universal and transformative. For Shavu’ot, this duty takes on special urgency. Studying texts like Exodus 19–20 or the Book of Ruth connects us to Sinai’s revelation, while exploring the related sections of Mishneh Torah clarifies the holiday’s guidelines in a holistic and feasible manner: rest, joy, and devotion (Hilkhot Yom Tov 6:1–18). The Journey to Sinai challenge draws on the rationalist approach of classical Torah Judaism championed by the Rambam (Maimonides): Torah study that refines our intellect, aligns us with God’s will, and awakens us to action (Hilkhot Talmud Torah 3:4). By committing to daily study, you’ll not only prepare for Shavu’ot’s ‘Tiqun‘, but also live its ideals, accepting Torah with clarity and purpose, as Israel did thousands of years ago.
The Study Schedule
The challenge begins April 21, 2025, post-Passover, and runs through May 24, aligning with the weeks leading to Shavuot. Each week pairs a Torah text with a Mishneh Torah section, offering a balance of narrative, halakha, and philosophy.
Reflective questions kindle the flame of reason planted in each of us, fostering insight and encouraging us to explore Torah’s role in our lives.
Dedicate 15–30 minutes daily, ideally in the evening to echo the Tiqun Lel Shavu’ot. Use Sefaria or a Ḥumash for texts, and adjust the pace to suit your schedule — even brief study is of value! (Hilkhot Talmud Torah 1:8). Below is the full schedule, with tips to make it practical for all.
Why It Matters
Maimonides teaches that Torah study isn’t just learning, it’s a way to know God and live ethically (Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:4). This challenge prepares you for Shavuot by weaving study into daily life. You’ll explore Sinai’s revelation, master Shavuot’s halakha, and embrace Ruth’s devotion, all while growing with a global community. By May 26, you’ll approach Shavuot ready to receive Torah with joy and clarity, as if standing at Sinai yourself.
“This will be an incredible journey that you won’t want to miss!”
— Heather Hicks, Volunteer