Thinking Torah Blog

Many of us are likely familiar with the practice of saying the second line of the Sh’ma quietly or at least in a quieter voice than the first line. The origin of this tradition comes from the Talmud. In Pesachim 56a, regarding this week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, we read: “Jacob’s sons said to him: Hear Israel, our father, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One. That is: Just as there is only one God in your heart, so too, there is only one in our hearts. At that moment, Jacob, our father, said in praise: Blessed be God’s glorious majesty forever and ever, as all his children were righteous.” Because Jacob was lying on his deathbed at that moment, he responded in a quiet voice as his strength was dissipating.
 
Jacob, it seems, was concerned that this tradition—begun by his grandparents, Abraham and Sarah, and continued by his parents, Isaac and Rebekah—would end with him. He was relieved when his children confirmed with the Sh’ma that his God was their God and that they would continue the Jewish tradition.
 
This origin story of how we say the Sh’ma underscores an important aspect of Jewish life: it is nearly impossible to be Jewish alone. Just as Jacob needed his children to carry on the tradition, we all need each other to be fully engaged in Judaism. We need each other for a minyan. We need each other to say kaddish. We need each other to celebrate and to mourn. Jews need other Jews. Our tradition has never been solely about God; it’s about community.
 
To that end, I encourage our congregation to show up for each other more often. Yes, many of us already do, which is both important and wonderful. However, there is one moment in particular where we could grow together as a community.
 
Our B’ Mitzvah students work incredibly hard preparing for their B’ Mitzvah service. They stand on our bimah as a statement of their ability to help lead the congregation, but often, only two or three members are present for these services. It would be incredibly meaningful if more of our community gathered for these wonderful Simchas. You don’t have to know the student or the family; our services are open to the entire congregation and anyone who wants to join. If you join us, I hope you will find, as I do, that these services are deeply meaningful and joyful. In real-time, we celebrate the passing on of our tradition and affirm our shared commitment.
 
Sh’ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad: Hear Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One. Baruch Shem Kavod Malchuto L’Olam Va’Ed: Blessed be God’s glorious majesty forever and ever.
 
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