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| Va'etchanan: Prolonging Echad |
Judaism's ultimate prayer is the Shema, our declaration of God's
unity. And the ultimate word in the Shema is its last word,
echad ('one'). The Sages gave detailed instructions how this
important word should be pronounced.
Why should the word echad be stretched out? And what is the
significance of the letters dalet and chet?
God's Reign Over All Events
The Talmud explains that one should pronounce the word echad long
enough to declare God's reign over all that is above, below, and to
the four sides of heaven ("arba ruchot hashamayim").
When we proclaim God's unity in the Shema, we acknowledge God's
unique control of the universe. While His absolute reign may be
expressed in spatial terms (in all directions), a more insightful
analysis expresses God's control over all events that take place in
the world.
We may divide up the universe into three functional categories:
Why is God's oneness so crucial? What is the principle message to
be derived from the Shema? By recognizing this underlying unity,
we acknowledge that all of the various events in the world — even
though they appear to be dispersed and disconnected like the four
sides of the heavens — are in fact directed towards one unified
purpose, towards the goal of that which is good and elevated.
Emphasize the Dalet, But Remember the Chet
Why prolong the letter dalet when saying the Shema? "Dalet" has
the numerical value of four. It represents the four diverse
directions, the myriad intermediate means in the universe. By
emphasizing the dalet, we affirm the connection of these means to
the unified goal of creation.
Still, the heavens and the earth should not be disregarded. In
order that the intermediate means will be properly valued, we need
to contemplate the elevated counsel directing all events towards
their purpose. And we should consider the value of the sublime goal
as it is achieved and revealed in its splendor.
Thus, the letter chet needs to be articulated clearly. Chet has
the numerical value of eight, representing the seven levels of
heaven together with the earth. These eight levels indicate the
various stages, from the initial cause to its final, practical
fulfillment. In addition, the number eight signifies the realm of
time: the seven days of the week, and the eighth dimension,
unlimited by the confines of time.
Swallowing up the chet would indicate insensitivity to the value
of the initial cause and the final goal. Then the intermediary
events and actions of the world would lose their true significance.
(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I p.71; Olat Re'iyah vol. I p. 245)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"All who prolong the word 'echad' will have their days and years
prolonged. Rabbi Acha bar Yaakov said that one should prolong the
letter dalet. Rabbi Assi added: Provided that he does not slur
over the letter chet." (Berachot 13b)
God's reign incorporates all three categories. He rules over the
heavens — i.e., the initial causes. His control extends to the
earth — the completion and fulfillment of each goal. And Divine
rule even includes the diverse intermediate means and events. These
means are referred to as the "four sides of the heavens", since
they form an intermediate stage connecting the heavens (the initial
causes) with the earth (the ultimate goals).