Shavuot—A Lifeline or the Most Exalted 24 Hours of the Year

Shavuot—A Lifeline or the Most Exalted 24 Hours of the Year

Every Jew should know that with the arrival of Shavuot, G-d sends each person a “lifeline”. But it is not merely a “lifeline”. During these 24 hours—and especially during the first five hours of the holiday—it is possible to free oneself from all troubles and suffering and remove blockages, whether concerning health—emotional or physical—livelihood, or having children. This is the greatest day of the year. All the days we mentioned earlier—Purim and Pesach—flow from the Torah. If the Torah had not been given to us, we would not have any of the other holidays either; it is the primary source of Light. The Holy Zohar teaches that these are the most exalted 24 hours of the year, when a person can merit great miracles. This important observation helps us understand the greatness of this day. It also explains why we eat dairy products on Shavuot—to show that we were pure. Milk is an infant’s primary food. In other words, we are pure like infants. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev teaches that the revelation at Sinai was, in effect, the chuppah of G-d and the Jewish people. And just as a bride and groom are forgiven for all their sins on the day of their chuppah, so on Shavuot, year after year, a person’s sins are forgiven. Therefore, all prayers, segulot, and requests recited on Shavuot are accepted immediately, because there is no Satan, no evil inclination, and no obstacles preventing the prayer from ascending. Throughout the year, there are sins that delay prayers. As the holy Ramban writes, “On the holiday of Shavuot, the evil inclination has no power.”  

Shavuot Segulot

1. On the eve of the holiday, before sunset, we light candles for the elevation of the souls of King David and the Baal Shem Tov, whose yahrzeits fall on 6–7 Sivan. Each of these tzadikim embodies the quality of Mashiach—the Baal Shem Tov was a direct descendant of King David. Therefore, every chapter of Tehillim recited on this night and every teaching of the Baal Shem Tov contributes to the Redemption and can draw down miracles. 2. A festive meal is held. 3. The Holy Zohar says that everyone who remains awake on the night of Shavuot is recorded in the Book of Remembrance of the King of Kings. In other words, if a person encounters a problem during the year, G-d will save him from it. The holy Arizal writes about this: “Know that whoever does not sleep on the night of Shavuot and studies Torah is promised that he will live throughout the entire year. Moreover, a person’s life depends on this, because if he prays and studies Torah on this night, he will certainly not die during the coming year.” One should remain awake until the first rays of sunlight. 4. Men have the “Tikkun Leil Shavuot”, which can be read in the synagogue or at home. At sunrise, they go to the mikveh and attend the morning prayers. 5. Women should recite Tehillim—the more, the better. Women with young children are not obligated to remain awake all night. Nevertheless, it is desirable to recite as many psalms as possible, because each psalm is a step toward the Redemption. It is advisable to prepare a list beforehand of what you wish to pray for. “Pele Yoetz” quotes the holy Zohar: “If a person knew what takes place in Heaven on this night, and what reward awaits him—children, wealth, and long life—he would not want to sleep at all.” 6. On Shavuot, we read Megillat Ruth—which is important in connection with the birth and emergence of David HaMelech. The Sages say that Tamar—the mother of Peretz and Zerach—was a reincarnation of Ruth; 7. Rav Ben Zion Mutzafi teaches that it is good to read “Idra Rabba” on Leil Shavuot; 8. It is good to make a challah in the shape of a ladder with seven rungs—corresponding to the seven Heavens—in order to prepare a means of ascent for our prayers; 9. A beneficial segula is to cover the children—corresponding to the “Ananei HaKavod” (Clouds of Glory) —preferably with blue blankets—and recite “Birkat Kohanim” over them; 10. Mikveh —15 minutes before Ayelet HaShachar on Shavuot (for men). Women may perform “40 immersions of Netilat Yadayim” (PDF available upon request), which purifies us from the seven weeks of counting Sefirat HaOmer. Great tikkunim take place in the mikveh on this day. This is the mikveh of the 50th Gate of Binah, of G-d’s great Love and Mercy. This mikveh saves one from all troubles. 11. Shavuot is a propitious time for an infertile woman. The mekubalim teach that when the Mishnah in Rosh Hashanah says that we are judged by the fruits of the tree, this refers to children, because a person is called a tree, and the fruits are the children brought into the world.     (Rav Ben Zion Mutzafi, Rabbi Raphael Avitan (translated by Zoya Hai Tigai), Zchut Avos)