Achitofel, Shavuot and Torah Study

Hi,



Achitofel is described in Tanach as the wisest advisor of King David. The Talmud presents a cryptic statement regarding Achitofel's instructions to his children:



"Achitofel told his children three things...The third lesson was: If the weather on the holiday of Shavuot is clear, plant wheat."

(Talmud, Bava Batra 147a)

Maharsha explains: Shavuot is the holiday of the presentation of the Torah. Optimal study requires clarity, like one achieves on a breezy day. Wheat is a symbol of wisdom, as the Talmud notes that a child first begins to show intelligent thought at the age when it starts eating wheat.



Thus Achitofel instructed his children: If the time when Torah is presented to you is opportune for Torah study, take advantage of it and study Torah.



Have a great day,

Mordechai