HERO ISRAEL

“Hear O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is one.” This is the classic translation of the Shema, the most famous passage of the Torah, as it is found in the King James translation of the bible. A version of the Shema that many of us grew up with.

But Rabbi Lord Sacks, in his new translation of the chumash, puts it differently:

“Listen, Israel: The L-rd our G-d – the L-rd is one.

Rabbi Sacks goes on to explain that the word, Shema in the bible, has a no less than five shades of meaning.

It first means to listen, or to pay focussed attention as in “Be still and listen (‘ushema’) Israel. (Devarim 27:9)

It means to hear, as in “I heard (‘shamati’) Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid”. (Bereishit 3:10)

It means to understand, as in “Let us go down and confuse their language so that one will not understand (‘yishme’u’) the speech of another. (Bereishit 11:7)

It means to internalize, register, or take to heart, as in “As for Ishmael – I have heard you (‘shamati’) (Bereishit 17:20). Meaning, I take account of what you say.

And finally, it means to respond in action, as in “Abram listened (‘vayishma’) to Sarai (Beresishit 16:2) – and he acted on what she had said.

When we say the words Shema Yisrael we cover our eyes with our hand. We block out external distractions and zone in on the fact that these words are not simply an instruction to hear. They are so much more. We attempt to concentrate, to give the word of G-d our focussed attention. We should try to understand the meaning of these words in our lives. Internalise them and respond to their call.

In fact, much of the next paragraph can be read as commentary on the words Shema Yisrael. To listen deeply to G-d’s word is to love Him with all your heart, soul and might. It means to speak of Him wherever you may be morning and night. It means to respond practically to His word as in learning and teaching Torah, wearing tefillin and putting up a mezuza.

Throughout history, Jews have concentrated on these words. They are the first Hebrew words we learn as children and the last words we say at the end of our lives. They are the words Jewish martyrs said as they prepared to die for their faith.

Moses uttered these words 33 centuries ago. Since then, we have listened, responded, concentrated and acted. We put our faith in G-d, and He has put His faith in us, and we are still here to tell the tale. Hero Israel!