Time for Torah with Rabbi Silberberg: Teffilah Krias Shema and Its Brachos #7
Jul 7, 2022
Rabbi Silberberg delves into the significance of Shema as the heart of evening prayer, exploring the essence of loving God through heart, soul, and action. He contrasts the martyrdom of Rabbi Akiva with the selfless devotion of Avraham. The connection of Shema’s themes of oneness, love, and Torah study is thoughtfully examined. Why learning Torah after prayer is emphasized and the importance of teaching it to children is discussed. The podcast highlights the need for humility in study and the power of verbalizing Torah to internalize its teachings.
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Shema Structures Connection To God
- Shema's opening frames three linked themes: God's oneness, love of God, and Torah study as the pathway to connect.
- Rabbi Elyahu Silberberg explains Torah is how God's presence is given and internalized by us.
Levels Of Loving God
- Loving God (V'ahavta) has ascending levels from heart to soul to total self-giving.
- Chassidus contrasts seeking martyrdom with pure servant-like nullification to serve God's will.
Torah As The Channel Of Connection
- Desire to connect (ahavah) naturally seeks the channel that best unites us with God, which is Torah.
- Torah is described as God encapsulated, the way divine presence comes down into us.
