"Sh'ma" is my favorite word. It is Hebrew for the word "Hear" and the first word of a very important Jewish prayer. This prayer is both a daily prayer, and one we say weekly in our liturgy on Shabbat (the Sabbath). The prayer is found in Devarim (Deuteronomy) Chapter 6. You can read the entire passage here: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Bible/Deuter6.html
Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah) referred to the Sh'ma in Mark 12:28 - 34. Also, in Luke 10:25 - 37, He expounded on it and explained how love of G-d is exhibited in caring for our neighbors. Following G-d's commandments is loving to God, to ourselves and our neighbors. His laws are loving and protective of us and society.
The Sh'ma is a call to obedience. Hashem is not telling us just to listen, but to "hear". In the Holy Scriptures, to hear is to obey. Yeshua said "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15).
The Sh'ma is printed and rolled up inside a mezuzah, then placed on the doorpost of our home. As we leave the house and come back in, we touch the mezuzah and then kiss our fingertips. This is a reminder that G-d's Words are like honey to our lips. They are so, so sweet.
Recently, Rabbi Jem and I went to the homes of several of our congregation to affix the mezuzah, and bless their homes. One little boy touched the mezuzah, kissed his fingertips, and said, "It really is sweet!" We wholeheartedly agreed.
What is your favorite word? I'd love to hear about it and why it is so special to you.
I'm linking up to Cindy's blog today: http://ioweitalltohim.blogspot.com
Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah) referred to the Sh'ma in Mark 12:28 - 34. Also, in Luke 10:25 - 37, He expounded on it and explained how love of G-d is exhibited in caring for our neighbors. Following G-d's commandments is loving to God, to ourselves and our neighbors. His laws are loving and protective of us and society.
The Sh'ma is a call to obedience. Hashem is not telling us just to listen, but to "hear". In the Holy Scriptures, to hear is to obey. Yeshua said "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15).
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| photo from Wikipedia |
Recently, Rabbi Jem and I went to the homes of several of our congregation to affix the mezuzah, and bless their homes. One little boy touched the mezuzah, kissed his fingertips, and said, "It really is sweet!" We wholeheartedly agreed.
What is your favorite word? I'd love to hear about it and why it is so special to you.
I'm linking up to Cindy's blog today: http://ioweitalltohim.blogspot.com
The example I used for teaching this to my kids was...sometimes we hear, but not with full attention. G-d wants us to hear with full attention, so we can obey what He is telling us. Kadosh is one of my favorite. He, alone, is Holy and we are to strive toward this holiness, in an unholy world. It is one of my favorite songs also!
ReplyDeleteI'm a 'sorrority sister' and dropped by to say hello. My blog door is always open so stop by anytime. Help yourself to some tea and cookies.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless.
Hi Gail,
ReplyDeleteOh, that is wonderful as a favorite word, especially with so much meaning attached...It is probably the beginning of the most well-known prayer of all.
This was a beautiful post, especially showing the mezuzah affixed to the door and what a wonderful mitzvah to have gone to homes and put them on!
Hugs,
Cindy
xoxox
Hi Gail, what an informative and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing it. A profound word for sure. olive♥
ReplyDeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteHi, that is very interesting word and informative, I didnt realize that. It reminded me of: Be silent and hear Gods voice. ~Kim
That is a great word. It reminds me of the passage in James about being doers and not just hearers--but your hear means to obey, cool.
ReplyDeleteGail, your post is so meaningful. I know I am sometimes guilty of listening only, when I should be hearing and obeying. Thanks for sharing your word today.
ReplyDeleteAn artist friend of mine made me a mezuzah that I have by my studio door where I can be reminded of my blessings!
ReplyDeletethank you for a new word for me!!!
I learned from your word SH'MA.....
ReplyDeleteThxs for posting
Have an gret weekend
Bernice
What a beautiful word - that you so much for sharing this with all of us.
ReplyDelete<>< Concetta
Hi Gail!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your word 'hear'. I really liked learning all about it. It's similar to the word 'listen' and that is the first word of the Rule of St. Benedict. I have a small plaster statue of St. Benedict on my desk and he has one of his fingers resting on his lips. It reminds me to listen more than I talk. This is a challenge...because I sometime talk too much.
Yes, God's words are like honey on our lips. I really appreciate your sharing.
Have a super Saturday!
Hugs.
Hi Gail...
ReplyDeleteI'm SOOO glad that you are going to share your creative spirit!!!
This will be awesome to see everyone's talents and how they
are using their God-given gifts!!
Hugs,
Cindy
xoxox
Gail,
ReplyDeleteI never knew what that was when I would see in movies what people were touching at their doors. I feel now very well informed so thank you for that :)
I love your blog title and how inviting it is. I too am a Bloggerette Sister...lol. I hope I spelled that correctly. :)
Your word to me "hear" is such an important word and sometimes I think I need to hear more of what people are saying to me rather than to be quick to respond. So thank you for your favorite word! I needed to "hear" that! :)
Smiles!
Christy
Enjoyed your link to Cindys party I just finally posted mine... Took me a while to get down to just one word!
ReplyDeleteI know that you were part of the link party last week but I have just joined the Bloggerette Sorority and wanted to invite you to my blog http://scrappingwithsherry1.blogspot.com/ I would be honored if you could come by for a visit.
~Sherry
I learned from this. A lesson to be obedient. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gail, thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog. My favorite word is "chayil", translated as 'virtuous' in Prverbs 31, but with so much more meaning,I like to think of the real meaning of a virtuous woman as being a mighty woman of strength and valor.
ReplyDeleteCharlene @ A Virtuous Woman