Shema

Session 49: You are a Unique Reflection of God

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"Loving HaKadosh Baruch Hu with one's unique nature… is the highest level of Ahavas Hashem [love of God] of which a human being is capable."

"During a person's suffering, he has a direct connection with HaKadosh Baruch Hu."

— Rabbi Shimon Schwab, "Rav Schwab on Prayer".

The stepwise progression from "all your heart" to "all your soul" and then "all your might" encapsulates the personal Avoda of the Shema portion of daily prayer: dedication of one's self to God through reflection and demonstration of the Tzelem Elokim (Divine image) within. Don't miss the end-of-shiur discussion on validating our suffering even as we feel closer than ever to Hashem.

"Ve'Ohavta Eis Hashem Elokecha BeChol Levavcha U'VeChol Nafshecha U'VeChol Me'odecha" — "You shall love Hashem your Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." "ואהבת את ה' אלקיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך ובכל מאדך"

 

Session 48: Even Unto Death — “U’VeChol Nafshecha U’VeChol Me’odecha” - ובכל נפשך

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Please listen to the prior classes on Shema (at least sessions 43-47, and preferably sessions 39-47) before hearing this session, as they provide necessary foundation work.

"U'VeChol Nafshecha U'VeChol Me’odecha" — "…with all your soul and with all your might." Ultimately, our love of G-d means that we will stand by Him even unto death. Rabbi Akiva died with the words of Shema on his lips, and love in his heart — because he prepared his entire life for the eventuality of dying Al Kiddush HaShem, for the sanctification of God's Name. ובכל נפשך ובכל מאדך

Session 44: What in Heaven's Name does "Baruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso" Mean? ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו

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What (on Earth) in Heaven's Name is the meaning of "Baruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso LeOlam Va'ed"?!

Just in time for Yom Kippur, we explore the mysterious power of this verse — stolen from the angels, whispered in a hush each day; and shouted out with glory and awe on Yom Kippur.

ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד.

This shiur was given in Givat Ze’ev, Israel, with shout-outs of appreciation to the women of the weekly Davening Shiur in Santa Monica, CA!

Session 43: Shema Goes Nuclear

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You, too, can be a Kabbalist! Weave together kavanos, concentrated thoughts, into an atomic Shema prayer of awesome power, and realize the capacity of experiential knowledge as a portal to higher dimensions of living. "שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד

 

Warning: This shiur goes seriously overtime as the last session before the summer break.

Session 42: Shema! Hear!

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Hear ye, hear ye! We discuss the verse of "Shema Yisrael"; the importance of every precise word we say as testimony to our personal knowledge of God; halachos and minhagim that increase our focus; and the secret bond that ties together the "Naaseh VeNishma" (“We will do and we will hear!”) of Mount Sinai with "Shema Yisrael". שמע ישראל

 

Note: This shiur has two audio files; the second one is a short postscript.

Session 41: Keil Melech Ne'eman and Amein [Shema] - קל מלך נאמן - אמן

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"Keil Melech Ne'eman" — also known as "Amein" — is the three word power formula that encapsulates and delivers our faith and trust in God's revelation of Himself to the world through Creation, the Giving of the Torah, and the ultimate Redemption. "The gates of Gan Eden are opened to whomever answers 'Amein' with all his might."

"כל העונה אמן בכל כחו פותחין לו שערי גן עדן."

"א-ל מלך נאמן"

Session 40: Kabbalas Malchus Shamayim via Shema

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"Your Command is My Wish" — Rina L.

This is your How-To primer for Kabbalas Malchus Shamayim — receiving Hashem’s reign.

Insight into the process of choosing Divine Will (=Shema), and using it to transcend the change made in Gan Eden, the Garden of Eden.

Easier said, of course, than done. But practice makes perfect…

שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד. קבלת מלכות שמים.

Session 39: Introduction to Shema Yisrael

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Introduction to Krias Shema: Welcome to the Heichal, the sanctuary of the Bais HaMikdash (Holy Temple). I'm Sarah, and I'd like to introduce you to your guides for the day, Kedusha and Torah, who will be leading you to your destination of Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shamayim. Have a great Shema! שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד.