The Shema... could our thoughts of synagogue services be complete without it?

How many of us have said the Shema in times of great need in order to reach out to G-d for help.  It is interesting that we use the Shema as a prayer even though it was actually originally spoken not to G-d, but to us.

In a past lesson, we learned that one of the translations for the Hebrew word “shema” is “obey”.  The “O” is charming, but is simply an English unauthorized addition.  The second word is "Israel". 

We are Israel.  We may look Caucasian, Asian, African, or Hispanic, but we are all Israelites if we have that good ole Jewish DNA.  We are undeniably an oxymoronical people.  While ethnocentric, we are a people group which has had Holocausts in many countries throughout history. 

 What Satan meant for evil, G-d has used for good.

Our Landslman, Columbus, took a cruise to get away from anti-Semitism and found what was to one day become the land of the free and the home of the brave where our people could hang out for a while and prosper in peace.  Hitler, the chief anti-Semite of our time, created world sympathy for our people. The modern day state of Israel was born.  Israel; where our people can hang out forever without peace until the return of our Messiah.

All things work together for good for those who love G-d and are called according to his purpose.

It is not always easy living through the “all things” and many times we may have wanted to say. “G-d, if you can hear us, please G-d, could you choose someone else?”, but G-d chose us; not because we were so wonderful, or intelligent, or would make great doctors, accountants, and attorneys but because he is keeping the oath which He swore to our fathers.

Each of us is in his hands.  When we obey, we are blessed.  When we disobey, we experience his love as he nudges us gently, and if that doesn’t help… oye… for your sake just change when he nudges, what comes after that you don’t want to know!

Israel, shema!  Israel, obey!  He has written the Torah on your heart.  He will not buy your excuses, not even wholesale.  Be a mensch.  If you love him, keep his commandments.