_{Because this series is sequential, make sure to check out Intro to In love 24/7!}

On the very day that we learn to take our first steps ⁽¹⁾, we also learn how to walk with Hashem through being taught the verse: 

(שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד” (דברים ו:ד”

“HEAR, O ISRAEL, Hashem Is Our God, Hashem Is ONE” (Deut. 6:4) 

From then on, we recite the Shema twice daily – in the evening and in the morning.⁽²⁾ Amongst the 3 brimming paragraphs of the Shema, the Gemara highlights and only obliges full-hearted concentration of this single verse, using one’s right hand to cover one’s already closed eyes. ⁽³⁾

Why is this line so fundamental? Let’s analyze! 

The Shema is not simply a declaration of faith that God exists, it’s an affirmation that Hashem is the only true existence and is the essence of everything. While controlling the cosmos and continuing to make the world spin, Hashem remains “our God,” Who has a special, fully-involved relationship with each person, and is “One” – everything He does, whether executed through His attribute of judgment or mercy, is always for the good and inspired by love. ⁽⁴⁾

The Hebrew word for one, “echad”, has the numerical value (gematria) of 13, which is equal to the numerical value of the Hebrew word “ahavah” meaning “love.” In its deepest sense, love takes two people and makes them into one, which is synonymic to the relationship of a husband and wife. So too, Hashem is one with us not only because our souls essentially stem from Him, but also for the reason that we are strongly bonded by an unbreakable, everlasting love. ⁽⁵⁾

“Hear, O Israel,” children of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov – all of you are united by One God and one holy Torah. All Jews are guarantors of one another and they are all bound together like a single body. ⁽⁶⁾ When the day comes and the night falls and you recite the Shema, remember that Hashem is good, He’s one with you, and He loves you. In virtue of this mutual connection, you must know that you are also good and therefore love yourself. You are one with the Jewish people and therefore love them too! This is how you could truly “walk with Hashem and speak the truth with your heart.” ⁽⁷⁾ 

 

 

_{(1) Shulchan Aruch YD 245:5; (2) Devarim 4:7; (3) Shulchan Aruch OC 61:5, Sforno, Brachot 13B; (4) Alshich, Malbim, Da’at Tevunoth 35; (5) Zohar 3:7b:5; (6) Rosh Hashana 29A, Ritva, Tomer Devorah 1:5; (7) Tehillim 15:2}