RAV KOOK ON Mishpatim/Shavuot Part 2: Revealing Our Inner Essence

The ultimate moment of glory for the Jewish people — their greatest hour — occurred as God revealed His Torah to them at Mount Sinai. The Israelites made an amazing proclamation: Na’aseh VeNishma — “We will do and we will listen to all that God has declared” (Ex. 24:7). They promised two things: to do, and to listen. The order is crucial. They promised to keep the Torah, even before knowing why. The Midrash (Shabbat 88a) says that, in merit of this pledge of loyalty, the angels rewarded each Jew with two crowns. And a Heavenly Voice exclaimed, “Who revealed to My children this secret that is used by the angels?”