“Vayichan sham Yisrael neged hahar” Shemos (19:2). The word “vayichan,” they camped, is singular. Everyone knows the Rashi that says that this is because they were “k’ish echad b’lev echad,” as one person with one heart, like one unit. R’ Yeruchum Levovitz comments and says that from here we see that love of our fellow man is a prerequisite for accepting the Torah.
R’ Yitzchak of Vorki noted that the word “vayichan” also comes from the word chain (ches-nun), finding favor. This means that Bnei Yisroel found favor in the eyes of one another and therefore found favor in the eyes of Hashem. When one just sees the faults and shortcomings of another person, he becomes distant from him. But when one sees the positive in other people, he becomes closer to them. This unity is a fundamental requirement for Kabalas HaTorah.
It says in the sefer Nachal Kedumim that togetherness between people is only possible when there is humility. When B’Y came to Har Sinai, which is the symbol and epitome of humility, they internalized this attribute. Humility leads one to see the good in others and enables one to elevate themselves to accept the Torah, because they are not focusing on themselves, rather on others and on Hashem.
May we be zoche to grow to the level of “V’ahavta l’reacha komocha” and take the lessons of Sefirah into Shavuos so that we can fully accept the Torah.
Chag Sameach!