V’ahavta

Translation

You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, and with all your might.

Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day.

Impress them upon your children.

Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away,

when you lie down and when you get up.

Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead;

inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Thus you shall remember to observe all My commandments

and to be holy to your God.

I am Adonai, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God:

I am Adonai your God.

Intention

The V’ahavta tells us that we are commanded to be active in our world- to teach and share the messages of Torah. While many of the words of Torah are reinterpreted in each generation, they do have a central theme- that we are partners with God and each other in creating a better world. When we treat others with kindness and respect, we are showing love and carrying out the demands of this prayer. What actions can we take today to live out these Jewish concepts? How are we teaching our children to make positive change? Are there physical or metaphorical reminders in our lives that help us remain active when life gets even more difficult?