Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Secret of a Whisper

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord, our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Immediately after reciting this declaration of God’s Oneness, we say in a whisper, “Blessed be the name of the glory of His Kingdom forever and ever.” Through the knowledge of God’s Oneness, we are empowered to reveal His Kingship to all humanity - even to those most distant from the realm of holiness. This intent must be expressed in a whisper because we have not yet accomplished this great task, which takes time, effort, and discretion (Rabbi Nosson Sternhartz, Likkutei Halachos, Minchah 7:74, abridged).