Monday, January 3, 2011

Baruch Shem Kevod

Hi,

After the first line of Shema, we add the line "Baruch Shem K'vod Malchuto l'Olam va'Ed," "Blessed be the Name of the honor of His reign, forever."

This verse does not appear in the Torah's presentation of Shema; tradition teaches that Yaakov [Jacob] authored this line. When Yaakov was on his deathbed, his children confirmed their faith to him, saying, "Hear, Israel [Yaakov's other name], HaShem is our Gd, HaShem is One." Yaakov then responded, "Blessed be the Name..."

We say this line silently when we recite Shema; since the line does not appear in the Torah, we mark its uniqueness by saying it in this special way.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 61:13; Mishneh Berurah 61:29)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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