Clearing the clutter

Every year, in the week leading up to Shavuot, we read the Torah portion of Bamidbar. This isn’t just a coincidence. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah, and Bamidbar sets the tone for how we prepare ourselves to receive it—not just historically, but in our lives today.

Bamidbar begins with the Jewish people in the desert. The desert isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a symbol. A desert is vast, quiet, and empty. There’s no clutter and no distractions. It’s a blank slate, and that’s exactly what made it the perfect setting for the Jewish people to receive the Torah.

To embrace something as transformative as the Torah, they needed to clear out all the “static” in their lives—the old habits, the distractions, the noise. And that’s the first lesson Bamidbar teaches us. In order to grow and to learn, and to take in something new, we need to make space for it.

In our busy lives, creating that kind of “desert” can feel nearly impossible. We’re constantly juggling demands—work, family, phones buzzing with notifications every few seconds. But preparing for Shavuot is about taking a step back and making a little room. It doesn’t mean running away or shutting everything out. Sometimes, it’s as simple as turning off your phone for a while, stepping outside for a walk, or just pausing to breathe and reflect.

But in addition to that, Bamidbar also offers a clear process for growth. This isn’t just about what you avoid—it’s about what you add. After clearing out the clutter, the next step is to focus on what truly matters.

The Torah describes the “Tent of Meeting,” a place in the desert where the Jewish people connected with G-d. This means being proactive about the important things in life: spending meaningful time with family, praying, helping someone who needs it, or learning something that inspires us. It’s about filling the space you’ve made with things that uplift and energize you.

Life is always pulling us in two directions. One part of us wants to relax, take it easy, and just enjoy the moment. The other part urges us to do something meaningful, to grow and contribute. The trick is finding balance. If we spend all our time on distractions, we’ll feel drained. But if we push too hard on productivity, we risk burning out. Real growth happens when we make room for both—to let go of what drags us down while embracing what lifts us up.

Shavuot isn’t about being perfect. The Torah wasn’t given to perfect people; it was given to people in the middle of figuring things out, just like us. That’s the message of Bamidbar: growth starts small. It begins with clearing a little space, focusing on what matters, and taking one step forward.

So as we prepare for Shavuot, let’s carry that lesson with us. Clear out the clutter, embrace what inspires you, and remember that every small step counts. That’s how the Torah is received—not in one big moment, but one step at a time.