By: Chaya Sora Jungreis-Gertzulin

Shema Yisroel…

This week’s parsha, Va’eschanan, contains the opening paragraph of Shema, a prayer that has been on our lips throughout the ages.

“V’shenantam l’vanecha, And you shall teach them to your children…” (Devarim 6:7) I have childhood memories of my parents tucking me in and saying Shema with me. When I become a mommy, it was my turn to cradle the little ones, and say the words of Shema with them.

Shema. Words to live by. We first find the Shema said by Yaakov Avinu. After twenty-two years of separation, Yaakov and his beloved son, Yosef, finally reconnect. The Chumash tells us that Yosef fell upon his father’s shoulder, crying. Yet, there is no mention of Yaakov falling upon Yosef’s shoulder. Rashi explains that Yaakov’s first reaction was to say the Shema. Though Yaakov was overcome by happiness, his first thoughts were to express gratitude and thanksgiving to Ha Shem.

In the Torah, we find that the final letter of the word Shema, ayin, and the final letter in the word Echad, dalet, are written in a larger print. These letters, ayin and dalet, spell the Hebrew word ayd, meaning witness. Every time we recite the Shema, we are testifying to the presence of Ha Shem in every facet of our life, that there is a G-d who runs the world, and we are all in His hands.

In more contemporary times, there are stories of Shema in both instances of happiness and tragedy. The Shema was recited by so many kedoshim as they faced imminent death during the Holocaust. My own zeide, Ha Rav Yisroel Jungreis, died al Kiddush Ha Shem in Auschwitz. He was saying Shema as he lovingly held a grandchild in his arms while being led to the gas chambers.

The Kaliver Rebbe relates a story that took place in the Breslau concentration camp. He noticed a little boy talking to himself as he wandered around between the barracks. Concerned for the child, the Rebbe approached him and asked for his name. The little boy began to cry. “I’m Yitzchok Winnig from Warsaw. My entire family was killed. I’m all alone. My mother’s last words to me were to say the Shema whenever I’m frightened.” For the little boy, the Shema was his security blanket in the midst of the most horrific conditions.

During the war, many children were turned over to convents by well-meaning but desperate parents, in the hope of saving their lives. In 1945, Rabbi Eliezer Silver, a US Army chaplain, along with others, undertook the difficult task of locating and rescuing these children. At one convent which Rabbi Silver had been informed housed many such children, he approached the priest in charge, who denied the presence of any Jewish children. Additionally, he told Rabbi Silver that he didn’t present any documents to prove otherwise.

The Rabbi asked if he could please return in the evening when the children go to sleep. The priest obliged. Rabbi Silver returned and walked through the rooms where the children were readying themselves for bed. As he loudly called out the words of Shema Yisroel, dozens of children came running to him with tears in their eyes. The Shema ignited a memory of a mama who stood by their bedside saying Shema.

The words of Shema are not just for children, but gives hope and strength to all. There is the story of the Klausenberger Rebbe who tragically lost his wife and children in the Holocaust. He was asked how he survives and not just survive but is a pillar of faith to so many. The Rebbe responded that it was all from his mother. He will never forget the love his mother had shown as she said Shema with him every night

Next week, on 19 Av, will be the ninth yahrtzeit of my beloved mother, Rebbetzin Esther bas Ha Rav Avraham Ha Levi. During the last months of her life, she initiated a Shema Yisroel campaign. From the depths of her heart, my mother wanted to do something to bring Am Yisroel together. A mitzva everyone can do, no matter the age or background. To get every Jew to say Shema Yisroel, thereby uniting us and paving the road for Moshiach.

Since October 7, there have been so many Shema Yisroel stories. Stories of emuna, bitachon and nissim, all relating to the saying of Shema. Roi Asaraf and his wife Yonah were at the Nova festival. As soon as the rockets began flying, they made the decision to get in their car and escape the scene. After only a few minutes of being on the road, they realized they were in trouble. They were surrounded by gun-toting terrorists.

Roi quickly put one hand on his wife’s head, pushing it down, protecting her from possible bullets. The other hand was on the steering wheel, while his foot was pressing down on the gas pedal. All the while, Roi was calling out, Shema Yisroel. The bullets whizzed by, but Roi and Yonah remained unscathed.

When the terrorists attacked, Eliya Cohen ran to a shelter. But, for Hamas, that wasn’t an obstacle, and Eliya was taken hostage. Shema Yisroel became his prayer in captivity. After being released, he returned to the shelter to say Shema. This time, it was a Shema of thanksgiving and gratitude.

Elie Sharabi endured much suffering. After 491 days as a captive, he emerged as a skeleton of a man. While he was being held in the dark tunnels of Hamas, Elie began reciting the Shema daily. Tragically, upon being released, he learned that his wife and two daughters were brutally murdered by Hamas. But the words of Shema remained with him.

Benny Chasson and his wife spent twenty-two hours in a safe room. They heard the sound of terrorists and gunfire outside. They were afraid to open up even after the IDF arrived to rescue them. “Finish the sentence,” Benny called out. “Shema Yisroel…” The soldiers answered “…Ha Shem Elokeinu, Ha Shem Echad.”

And then there are instances of joy and happiness that precipitate one’s saying Shema. Many years ago, I remember being at an engagement party. The chosson stood up, proclaiming the words of Shema as he gave public thanks to Ha Shem for bringing him to the happiest day of his life.

This Shabbos is Shabbos Nachanu, a Shabbos of consolation, a Shabbos of healing. The haftora opens with the words, “Nachamu, nachamu ami, Be comforted, be comforted, My people”. After all that Klal Yisroel has endured, may the merit of the millions upon millions of the Shema being said bring bracha and nechama to us all.

Shabbat Shalom!

Chaya Sora

Chaya Sora can be reached at [email protected]

This article was written L’zecher Nishmas /In Memory Of Ha Rav Meshulem ben Ha Rav Osher Anshil Ha Levi, zt”l and Rebbetzin Esther bas Ha Rav Avraham Ha Levi, zt”l