When the Jews arrived at Har Sinai, the desert bloomed in preparation for receiving the Torah. On the day the Torah was to be given, they awoke to the sounds of thunder, and lightning flashed across the sky. The Jews emerged from their tents and gathered at the foot of the mountain. They watched as the presence of God descended upon the mountain, which smoked and shuddered violently. The sound of the shofar rang out and grew louder and louder, till suddenly - silence. Not a sound was heard in the whole world - then G-d spoke