More than Words
This week’s
parasha is Va- ‘ethannan. In it,
is the “declaration of Jewish faith,” the Shema (Deut. 6:4). Along with the
V’ahavta, which follows in verses 5-9, it is to be recited twice daily. It is
to be said to newborn babies and should be the last words spoken by dying Jews.
The latter mitzvah was even done by Rabbi Akiva, ZK”L, as he was tortured to
death by the Romans.
The Shema
is only 6 words, but it carries such great meaning. As we recite the words,
think of it as renewing a pledge to Hashem. The final letters of the first word
and the last word, ayin (ע) and dalet (ד),
respectively, are enlarged when written in Torah scrolls and siddurim. Ayin and
dalet spell Eid (עד), or witness. Let’s bear witness to
Hashem’s greatness and mercy.
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