If one were to mention the words "royal wedding," what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Of course, the recent nuptials of Prince William to Kate Middleton! According to one account, an estimated 2 billion people (yes, billion with a “b”) tuned in for the hoopla, glitz and glamour. Thanks to modern technology, people across the globe were able to watch it live, sitting in on all the festivities as they unfolded. Whether or not the head count of viewers is accurate, all would agree that the royal wedding captured the hearts and interest of an incredibly large number of people worldwide.

   In a few short days, we will be marking the anniversary of another “wedding.” No private invitations were sent out for this event; there wasn’t a photographer or a band or even a caterer!  From this description it would seem it was a most simple affair.  Well, the truth of the matter is that it was the most significant, important and monumental occasion ever known to mankind! It was the "marriage” of Hashem (G-d) to the Jewish people. It was a turning point when the Jewish people forged an eternal relationship with Hashem, and our destiny was changed forever. By accepting Hashem and His holy Torah, we became His treasured  and chosen nation. As the verses state: "...[Y]ou shall be to Me the most beloved treasure...You shall be to Me a kingdom of ministers and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). Additionally in Hosea (2:21-22) the verses state: " I shall marry you to Me forever; I shall marry you to Me with righteousness and with justice and with kindness and with mercy. I shall marry you to Me with fidelity; and you shall know Hashem."   

    So when did this original "royal wedding” take place? On the holiday of Shavuos, the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, seven weeks after Hashem took the Jews out of Egypt. On this holiday we mark the occasion of the Jews accepting the Torah and becoming the chosen and eternal nation, Hashem’s holy nation. However, there's an additional but critical point to keep in mind: Every nation, no matter how big or small, is ultimately made up of individuals. In Judaism, every individual counts. Everyone is special and unique and everyone has the ability to create and forge their own special relationship with Hashem.

So as we stand ready to celebrate the holiday of Shavuos this year, and we celebrate the ultimate royal wedding, let us recognize and keep in mind that we are not only commemorating an event in the past, but we presently have the opportunity to renew our individual “wedding vows” and, by rededicating ourselves to Hashem and his holy Torah, perfecting our "marriage."