The Arizal writes that the hours of Shavuos night are among the holiest hours of the entire year. These are precious moments when a person can become uplifted and purified through Torah learning. Every minute is a golden opportunity.
A remarkable story is told about Rav Yosef Kairo, the great author of the Shulchan Aruch, and his chavrusa Rav Shlomo Alkabetz, composer of Lecha Dodi. They spent Shavuos night learning Torah together with deep joy and concentration, utilizing every precious moment.
As the night went on, something extraordinary happened. They suddenly heard a heavenly voice speaking to them. The voice grew stronger and sweeter, describing the tremendous impact of their Torah learning in Shomayim. Their words of Torah were rising higher and higher through the Heavens, bringing great nachas to Hashem. The malachim themselves were silent, listening to their learning.
The two tzadikim were overcome with emotion. Tears of joy filled their eyes, and they continued learning with even greater passion until morning.
Later, the Shlah Hakadosh recorded this story to show us the greatness of Shavuos night, and how beloved it is to Hashem when His children use these precious hours to learn Torah.
What a lesson for us! Even if we cannot stay up the whole night, every extra moment of Torah on Shavuos is a huge treasure, and Hashem takes tremendous pride in watching His children learn His holy Torah!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 82 – Shavuos.
