In the previous Halacha we have discussed that one must focus greatly on the first verse of Keri’at Shema and understand the words one is uttering. We shall now discuss the proper intention during the first verse of Keri’at Shema according to the Poskim. Afterwards, we will discuss the proper intention for one who finds concentrating on the first intention we have mentioned difficult.
“Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad”
The word “Shema” refers to both acceptance and understanding. Thus, when one recites the words “Shema Yisrael,” one should think, “Accept and understand, Israel,” meaning that one must accept these matters and understand them (i.e. to believe in them). What are these matters that we refer to? “Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad,” meaning that “Hashem is our G-d and Hashem is one.”
When one mentions the name of Hashem as it appears in the first verse of Keri’at Shema, one must concentrate on two intentions: The first intention is how the name of Hashem is pronounced, i.e. the “Adnut” name of Hashem. The second intention refers to how the name of Hashem is written, i.e. the “Havaya” name of Hashem spelled with a “Yod” and then a “Heh” and then a “Vav” and then a “Heh.”
The intention for the pronounced name of Hashem is that Hashem is “Master over all.” The intention for the written name of Hashem is that Hashem “was, is, and always will be present.”
Thus, when uttering Hashem’s name in Keri’at Shema, one should intend that Hashem is the Master over all who was, is, and always will be present.”
When one recites the word “Elokeinu,” one should have in mind that Hashem is “Almighty, All-Capable, and Omnipotent.”
When one recites the word “Echad,” one should think as follows: When reciting the letter “Alef” of the word “Echad,” one should intend that Hashem is one. When reciting the letter “Chet,” one should intend that Hashem is sole and unique in the Seven Heavens and the earth (which all together equal eight, the numerical value of the letter “Chet”). When reciting the letter “Dalet” of the word “Echad,” one should intend that Hashem rules over the four directions of the world (corresponding to the numerical value of the letter “Dalet”).
Several years ago, when we discussed the laws of Keri’at Shema we wrote that the primary intention during the first verse of Keri’at Shema is merely understanding the simple meaning of the words, meaning “Understand and accept Israel that Hashem is our G-d and Hashem is one.” When had written that this intention is sufficient for one to fulfill the Torah obligation of reciting Keri’at Shema.
However, this would seem to contradict the ruling of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch (Chapter 5) who rules that the meaning of the name of Hashem is “Master over all who was, is, and always will be present” and the meaning of the word “Elokeinu” is “Almighty, All-Capable, and Omnipotent.”
Nevertheless, the truth of the matter is that these definitions are not delineated anywhere in the teachings of the Sages of the Talmud; rather, our Sages tell us that one must concentrate on the simple meaning of the words of Keri’at Shema and if one did not, one has not fulfilled his obligation. Based on this, according to the letter of the law, all that is necessary to fulfill the Mitzvah of reciting Keri’at Shema is concentrating on the meaning of the words. It is, nonetheless, worthy to concentrate on other intentions as well, as is written in Shulchan Aruch and the Poskim.
Thus, if one finds concentrating on the other intentions difficult or for children who are being educated to concentrate and the like, it is sufficient to concentrate on the basic meaning of the words and little by little, one should train himself to concentrate on the other intentions written here.
Summary: When reciting Keri’at Shema, one is obligated to concentrate on the basic meaning of the words of the first verse. The minimal concentration that one must have in order to fulfill one’s obligation is the meaning of the words, i.e. “Listen oh Israel, Hashem is our G-d and Hashem is one.” It is nevertheless worthy to have in mind the broader concentration we have written above, which is:
“Shema Yisrael”- Accept and understand, Israel. “Hashem”- Master over all who was, is, and always will be present. “Elokeinu”-Who is Almighty, All-Capable, and Omnipotent. “Hashem”- Master over all who was, is, and will always be present. “Echad”- “Alef”-Hashem is one and only, “Chet”-Unique in the Seven heavens and the earth, and “Dalet”- Who rules over the four directions of the world.
This broader intention is not complicated at all and the more one becomes accustomed to concentrating on it, the easier it will become to do so.
