We're still holding after Shavuas. It is important to remember that the forty days after Shavuas is the time when Moshe was in shamayim learning the Torah, and this time period has its own special avodah. Rav Tzvi Meir says that the avodah after the Yom Tov is even more important than the preperation for the holiday and even the holiday itself. The work now is to guard the treasure that we received. Sounds sweet but the situation after the holiday creates a unique challenge.
Tzvi Meir brings a beautiful metaphor from Rav Akiva Eiger. A poor Jew finds a hidden treasure of immense value. Unfortunately he does not have the time or vessels to collect what he has found so all he can do is take what he is able to, which is a very small portion of the treasure. Compared to the entire fortune that he found, he has only a tiny bit, but it is enough to make him rich and his children after him. So on one hand, he feels awful that he had to leave such an enormous treasure behind since he could not take any more; but on the other hand, he is happy beyond belief that he was successful to get the riches that he took.
Even though a Jew must aspire to greatness, nonetheless, it is the will of the Creator that we should have happy hearts and appreciate every little bit of any avodah that we are capable of doing. Every tiny mitzvah that we do is a great treasure. Don't despair if your avodah did not live up to your greatest aspirations, Hashem wants us to try and hold on to, and strengthen, all the gifts that we received during the holy holiday.
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thanks so much that is so nice
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