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SHAVUOT ESSAY CONTEST Since the time that the Jews received the Torah at Har Sinai, the days before Shavuot are days where we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah. This year, in preparation for Kabalat HaTorah, the YIGN is offering an essay contest for our chidren to help us prepare. Here are the rules: 1) The essay must describe an example (a simile or metaphor) of something you would compare the Torah to. 2) Here are some basic examples: - Torah is like water because it is such a basic need. - Torah is like a tree because it branches out with more and more ideas and commentary. - Torah is like a minivan because like a minivan, it is somehow able to contain everything we need whereever we are. - Torah is like a helmet because it protects those who "wear" it. Obviously, these are just a starting point. Essays will be judged by creativity and clarity. Below is a sample essay by R' Ismach. Torah is his xBox controller! (It need not be the same format or as long.) 3) The essay should be no more than 100 - 200 words. 4) Entries must be in by Monday 5/25. 5) All essays will be posted to YIGN.ORG 6) Prizes are as follows:   First Place - a $100 gift certificate to GN Judaica Second Place - a $50 gift certificate to GN Judaica   7) Send your entry to contest@yign.org   Sample Essay:   "Torah is my xBox" By Shmuel Ismach To me, the Torah is like an Xbox controller.  We've all played video games. Take a look at the difference between a Gameboy and an Xbox controller. What's the difference? Well, obviously, Gameboy has two buttons and a pad and Xbox has about six buttons, two triggers, two sticks and a pad! Why the difference? Easy. The games on Xbox do not compare to the games on Gameboy! The games on Xbox are so much more advanced, with so much more to do, with so many more activities and functions, it would be impossible to really enjoy all the features of the game without ways to access them. So they go and put all these buttons on the controller and make you read the instruction manual to figure out what's going on to so you can get the most enjoyment out of the game. Well, life is the same way. You can live a Gameboy life, with only a couple of buttons or you can live an Xbox life, with all the cool features. But to know how, you have to get the buttons, read the instructions and learn how to use them. At Mount Sinai, the Jews were given the instructions to lead a life with all the greatest features and with the most enjoyment and meaning possible. That's the Torah and the Mitzvot we do. Yeah, it takes some learning and getting used to the buttons, but you know, it sure beats Gameboy!