Ki Tetze - Our Love,Our Oneness

                                  

                                        

                                   Elul 10 & 11, 5774

                               September 5 & 6, 2014

In this Torah portion, we read about many mitzvahs (Blessings of Good deeds)/Commandments!  In Hebrew, this is Ayin Dalet, which also stands for ‘ed’ (not pronounced like Mr. Ed).  The two letters in the Hebrew alphabet, Ayin and Dalet are enlarged in the first sentence of the Shema, and together these two letters form the word ‘ed’, which means ‘witness’ or ‘forever’, strongly suggesting that the Shema has the utmost influence on us, day in and day out, and is a true and since testament of the sovereignty of G-d and OUR primary duty to love G-d with our entire soul & whole being.   We should be reminded that these and all mitzvahs should last forever, and the actions associated with each one.

The 1st sentence of the Shema really shows our declaration that the Lord Our G-d is one!  Interestingly, the word ‘echad’ in Hebrew can imply a unity in diversity.  For example, Exodus 26:6 when speaking of the Tabernacle/Temple (Mishkan) is to be built so that “it shall be built, so it will be one (echad) tabernacle”.  Moses also references ‘echad’ in Genesis 2:24, “and they (that of man and his wife) shall become one flesh (basar echad) …….”. ONENESS!

Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

The mitzvahs/commandments that have been given to us show, or should show us are our map or GPS!  We should be sensitive to other people’s needs, show  a sense of sincere gratitude, have respect for all humankind and pets, be kind and understanding to those that may differ from you, and show an understanding of unity and oneness.   Have love, respect, and kindness towards others is key to a successful relationship in all facets.  We as 'individuals' must have a sincere focus for this to truly occur.

In today’s chaotic world, with ongoing wars, and arguments, WE NEED THIS MORE THAN EVER!  One step at a time would be definite progress, and we as humans…..white, black, green, Jewish, Christian, Muslim must have complete comprehension of ONENESS and the words and meaning of THE SHEMA, so we ALL may live in G-d’s World that should be full of peace and the utmost love!

                                               -Amen-