Beyond Belief In the Torah, the opening verse of Shema Yisrael - “Hear O Israel, Hashem our G-d, Hashem is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4) - is directly followed by the words “You shall love Hashem, your G-d, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your resources.” This clearly shows us that Judaism is not a typical “faith-based” religion where being “a believer” is all that matters. Judaism demands more of its adherents than an abstract and theoretical faith and belief in G-d; our belief must be accompanied by actions, demonstrating a firm commitment and dedication to building a meaningful and ongoing relationship with G-d. It's interesting to note that immediately after reciting Shema Yisrael in our prayers, we insert the words “Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom for all eternity,” spoken in an undertone, except on Yom Kippur when we say them out loud. Why do we add these words to the Shema? Also, what accounts for the difference in how we recite these words throughout the year and on Yom Kippur? The Talmud (Pesachim 56a) states that when our forefather Jacob lay near death, his sons proclaimed in unison “Hear O Israel, Hashem our G-d, Hashem is one,” directing this statement to their father whose other name was Israel. Jacob responded by saying, “Blessed is the name…” Since Jacob said these words following the phrase Shema Yisrael, we add them as well. However, since they aren't part of the text of the full Shema Yisrael that we find later in the Torah, we recite them in an undertone. Perhaps there's another reason for reciting these words differently on Yom Kippur. As human beings, it's very difficult at times for us to declare clearly and loudly each and every day that G-d's kingship is glorious, because a lot of things going on around us may convince us otherwise. Sickness, suffering and strife very often prompt us to question the wisdom of G-d's plan for the world. At times like these, all we can do is quietly and humbly submit ourselves to G-d's judgment in the belief that His ways are ultimately fair and just, although we may not immediately perceive it to be so. By contrast, the angels on high are able to see a fuller picture of G-d's master plan, stretching from the beginning of time to the end of days. They can grasp how all the pieces of the puzzle of our world even the most confusing ones fit together to form a beautiful, perfect whole. On Yom Kippur, Jews divest themselves of their attachment to the physical and material world. Therefore, on the holiest day of the year, when we reach spiritual heights rivaling those of the angels, we can proclaim loudly and clearly that G-d's kingship and judgment are indeed glorious. The challenge is to be able to hold on to that perspective throughout the year, even after we come back down to earth following Yom Kippur. For more information on this program or classes in your area |