The Shema is probably Judaism’s best known prayer. Recited twice daily, its opening verse proclaims G-d’s Oneness – “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our G-d, the Lord is One.” The subsequent verses tell us to take this message and make it central to our lives - teach it to our children, speak about it publicly, hang it on our doorposts (the Mezuzah), etc.
Now, I would think that G-d’s existence, and the idea of responsibility to something higher than myself, is the most important doctrine I would need to consistently retain. Why this emphasis on numbers (One G-d as opposed to many)? Important as it is, why do we need to constantly reinforce the Oneness doctrine?
The answer is that we’re not just proclaiming one Deity as opposed to several. That idea only scratches the surface.
The Shema is actually proclaiming that our topsy-turvy world, our complex lives, the disjointed and sometimes fractured reality we see, are all part of G-d’s Oneness. My health, my kids’ soccer game, my boss’s attitude and my 401k are all part of the Divine harmony. Scattered as my life may seem, everything can and should fit into my journey toward a life of meaning. There can be Oneness to my life.
I think of it this way: Each of my life’s facets is a distinct pearl. When I consciously infuse these ‘pearls’ with vision and purpose, I am stringing them together with a strand of Holiness. My life is now a beautiful necklace.
This helps explain why we traditionally cover our eyes when reciting the Shema.
My physical eyes, my natural instinct, show me a world of pain and fracture. Where’s the Oneness?
So I cover my eyes, because I need to see with my soul. I need to envision a world created by One G-d, with One purpose and with an inherent Oneness waiting to be discovered.
Now I can see a Shema world.
This concept gives me a clear compass, a safe haven, and an energizing motivator in a confusing, insecure and [sometimes downright] depressing world.
Important as this concept always is, it has special relevance in this period of time.
This coming Tuesday, 12/16 on the secular calendar, will be the 19th of Kislev, a day celebrated as the ‘Rosh Hashana for Chabad Chassidic Thought/Life”.
To me, Chabad theology is one large ‘Shema’, finding unity and connectedness within all parts of the Torah and life itself. Chabad thought allows my mind to hover above reality, so that I can see the forest for the tress.
What an oasis in a rocky world.
Thanks, Chabad Rebbes.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.