This week's word of Torah is the second in an occasional series of original neo-hasidic teachings on the Talmud. The first focused on the time for reciting the evening Shema. The second focuses on the morning shema. This teaching is in memory of Rabbi David Ellenson who embodied the practice of seeing the image of God in every person.
michael (mjstrassfeld@gmail.com)
A word of Torah:
A few weeks ago, I shared a neo-Hasidic interpretation of the opening lines of tractate Berkahot/blessings that began with the question when do we recite the Shema at night. The subsequent question is: MISHNA:From when does one recite Shema in the morning/mei-aimati korin et shema be-shaharit?
The answer: From the time when a person can distinguish between blue [tekhelet] and white. Rabbi Eliezer says: From when one can distinguish between blue and green.
Since the Shema is to be recited during the day, the Talmud asks when does the day begin. If there is enough light to distinguish between the colors of blue and white then the day has begun. The second opinion which requires distinguishing between the similar colors of blue and green rather than contrasting colors requires more light.
Hakha be-mai askinan/what are we really talking about?
The Shema is a vision of the oneness of the world as reflected in the oneness of God. How can we perceive the oneness of all things? One opinion is oneness can only be really seen by embracing the differences in life. Blue represents the heavens above and white represents the world of human beings. This world is like a blank piece of paper that we fill in with our words and deeds.
The second opinion suggests that it is not stark differences that are the challenge in finding oneness, rather it is understanding the commonalities between human beings that should lead us to oneness. Blue and green are not so different from each other and neither are we.
Of course, being the Talmud there is a dissenting opinion.
Others say: “When you see a friend a distance away and you can recognize them. (va-yakireinu).”
This is understood to refer to someone who is just an acquaintance. Someone you live with you or see daily you can recognize by a gesture or their gait or even their outline—you need very little light. The opinion here is to have enough light to see an acquaintance at some distance and be able to recognize them.
Rav Huna says: “The halakha is according to the last opinion”
Why is seeing a friend the preferred definition rather then blue and white or blue and green? Because life is not just about values that you hold. How you actually relate to people is the real test of your vision and values. Do you begin your day by seeing the people around you or by passing them by? Even when feeling a distance between you and them do you yakireinu—really see them in the totality of their being—both their good qualities and their flaws. If you do, then it is time to recite the Shema.
Let me walk about with a sense of expansiveness,
for I have sought your teachings.
Ps. 119:45
Song Shomeir yisrael, shomeir shearit yisrael, ve-al yovad yisrael ha-omrim shema yisrael
Watch over the people of Israel, watch over the remnant of Israel, the Jewish people who proclaim the oneness of Israel (Shema) will not lose its way. from the weekly liturgy
