Sign up to TorahFax

Thursday, Menachem Av 14, 5779 / August 15, 2019

 

In this week's Parsha, Va'etchanan, we find the "Shema" - "Hear O' Israel the L-rd Our G-d the L-rd is one.  And you shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart ("Bechol Levavcha") and with all your soul ("Bechol Nafshecha") and with all your might ("Bechol Meodecha")." 

 

The Shema is recited three times daily - in the morning and evening prayers and again before bedtime. With the Shema, we affirm our belief in G-d and proclaim our great and unlimited love for Him.

 

According to our sages, "Bechol Nafshecha" - "With all your soul" means that even when ones soul is at stake, one should express love to G-d. Indeed, Jews have recited Shema even when being led to their death and on their final journey in this world. 

 

Rabbi Akiva was one of the Ten Martyrs who were killed by the Romans in the years following the destruction of the Second Holy Temple.  Rabbi Akiva suffered a very painful death.  The Romans tore his flesh with iron combs.

 

The Talmud relates that in the middle of this great pain and suffering, Rabbi Akiva began reciting the "Shema" with great devotion and with a smile on his face. 

 

The Roman general present said to Rabbi Akiva, "Are you a magician?  How can you smile while suffering so?"

 

Rabbi Akiva replied, "No, I am not a magician.  But all my life I have proclaimed in the Shema my love to G-d with all my soul.  All my life I was hoping to be able to fulfill this mitzvah to the fullest.  Now that my soul is being taken because I am a Jew and I'm truly fulfilling the mitzvah of loving G-d with all my soul, should I not be happy?" 

 

Rabbi Akiva then recited the Shema with all his might and as he uttered the last word "Echad" - "G-d is One," he returned his soul to His maker.  

 

Q.  Why do we cover our eyes when reciting of the Shema?

 

A.  When saying Shema, one must have total concentration upon the meaning of the words and the affirmation of total belief in G-d. We cover our eyes not to be distracted while reciting this verse.

 

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

 

Please note:  Torah Fax will not be published regularly during August