Sh'ma Yisroel - Part Ii (13:11)

Our most recent Fax of Life dealt with Judaism’s most famous prayer, the Sh’ma.  Not to be outdone, this week’s thought will once again focus on the Sh’ma.  Viewing this week’s Fax as a sequel makes sense since the first paragraph of the Sh’ma is found in last week’s Biblical portion and the second paragraph of the prayer is mentioned in this week’s portion.

While the two passages are clearly related, sharing many ideas, they also diverge on a number of points.  The contrast is most emphatically defined when one considers who is being addressed in each chapter.  The first paragraph is written entirely in the singular (לבבך - your heart, ידך - your hand) while the second uses the plural form (לבבכם - your hearts, ידכם - your hands).  The great commentator, Rashi, explains that the first passage addresses the individual   while the second is directed to Israel as a community.

Rashi also adds one footnote concerning the repetition of the commandments like Tefillin & Mezuzah found in both chapters. To use the commentary’s own words: “ “Even after you have been exiled, make yourselves distinctive by means of my commands, lay Tefillin, attach mezuzot, so that these shall not be unfamiliar to you when you return.” “

Understanding the two Torah portions in which the Sh’ma is written will clarify their difference.  The first portion of Va-etchanan tells of the revelation and deliverance that comes from above through G-d’s grace.  Following this pattern, the opening sentences of the Sh’ma represents man’s vision of infinity. Of course, a man like Moses perceives the G-dly revelation more clearly than the average man. In truth, every individual sees G-d differently, reacts differently, and is motivated differently.  Moses and I may both put on Tefillin, but his heart and hands surely embrace the words of G-d inscribed on the phylacteries and the mezuzah with more feeling and devotion.

The second portion of Eikev however, concerns man’s situation, who must rely on himself rather than Heaven.  Referring to a time like exile, when G-d’s presence is hidden, man asks himself, “From where will I gather strength?”  The answer is found in the message relayed in the second paragraph of the Sh’ma which is written in the plural.  Encouragement must come from yourself, your friends, and your community.

In our transient society, discovering a sense of community can be difficult.  Without a common denominator that connects us to each other, many feel a sense of loneliness.  Is it any wonder, that during the day we lock ourselves in our work and at night in our homes afraid to speak to our neighbors? The Jew however is lucky. Our common heritage makes it easy. So attach a mezuzah or join a chavurah. Become part of your Jewish community (and the other part of the Sh’ma assures us) that you become a part of G-d!