The Shema: Spirituality and Law in Judaism

by Norman Lamm

Publisher:

Jewish Publication Society

, 1998

Overview

The Shema is the central prayer of the Jewish faith. Jews utter this single sentence, affirming God's unity as their final words before dying, as well as at the beginning and ending of each day. Using the Shema as his focus, Lamm, prominent Orthodox scholar and long-time president of Yeshiva University, explores the relationship between spirituality and law in Judaism.

Key Features

• Deepens the reader's understanding of the Shema
• Points out the difference between the two names of God referenced in the Shema
• Insight on how to pray the Shema prayer

Contents

Top Highlights

“David Cohen, colleague and student of Rav Kook, composed a whole volume on this word and its implicit concepts.¹ He contrasts hearing with seeing, pointing to the Torah’s insistence that at Sinai we heard God’s voice but did not see Him (Deut. 4:12–19).² Seeing leads to idolatry; the worshiper creates an icon to represent what he saw. Hearing, however, leads to obedience; no physical shape or form beguiles the worshiper. He expresses his devotion in terms of what he has heard, i.e., he obeys the Voice who commands him.” (Page 13)

“The word ‘hear’ implies understanding as well as apperception.” (Page 15)

“What was heard at Mount Sinai was not a one-time affair; the voice of God is ubiquitous and continuous. It is up to us to hear it.” (Page 14)

“Halakha, a ‘way of life,’ does not preclude the participation of the heart and a deepening of inwardness. In Judaism, each side—spirit and law—shows understanding for the other; we are not asked to choose one over the other, but to practice a proper balance that respects and reconciles the demands of each.” (Page 7)

“The most elementary meaning of the word shema is ‘hear’—the standard translation.” (Page 13)

Praise for the Print Edition

This insightful book . . . will appeal to Jews of all backgrounds.

—The Jewish Week

Product Details

• Title: The Shema: Spirituality and Law in Judaism
• Author: Norman Lamm
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 222

About Norman Lamm

Norman Lamm is a distinguished rabbi, philosopher, teacher, and author. He earned a Ph.D. in Jewish philosophy in 1966 from Yeshiva University. He has served as the Erna and Jakob Michael Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Yeshiva University and served as President of Yeshiva University from 1977 to 2003. He is currently the Chancellor of Yeshiva University.