Deuteronomy 11:1 - Love God, keep commandments always.

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Hebrew Text

וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָׁמַרְתָּ מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ וְחֻקֹּתָיו וּמִשְׁפָּטָיו וּמִצְוֺתָיו כָּל־הַיָּמִים׃

English Translation

Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, always.

Transliteration

Ve'ahavta et Adonai Elohecha veshamarta mishmarto vechukotav umishpatav umitzvotav kol hayamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ מִשְׁמַרְתּ֗וֹ וְחֻקֹּתָ֧יו וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֛יו וּמִצְוֺתָ֖יו כׇּל־הַיָּמִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment to Love Hashem

The verse "וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God") is a foundational mitzvah in the Torah. According to Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2), this commandment requires one to contemplate Hashem's greatness and wisdom as revealed in creation, which naturally inspires love and awe. The Sifrei (Devarim 32) explains that loving Hashem means causing others to love Him as well—through sanctifying His name in one's actions.

Keeping His Charge and Commandments

The phrase "וְשָׁמַרְתָּ מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ" ("and keep His charge") refers to the obligation to safeguard the mitzvot diligently. Rashi (Devarim 11:1) explains that "מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ" (His charge) includes both positive and negative commandments, while "חֻקֹּתָיו" (His statutes) refers to decrees that transcend human understanding, such as kashrut and the red heifer. "מִשְׁפָּטָיו" (His judgments) are laws with clear ethical reasoning, like theft and murder.

Observing Mitzvot "All the Days"

The concluding phrase "כָּל־הַיָּמִים" ("always") teaches that this obligation is constant. The Talmud (Berachot 54a) derives from this that one must acknowledge Hashem in both good times and challenging times. Ramban (Devarim 11:1) adds that "all the days" implies serving Hashem with consistency, without interruption, throughout one's lifetime.

Practical Applications from Chazal

Through Torah Study: The Gemara (Yoma 86a) states that learning Torah leads to love of Hashem, as it deepens one's understanding of His will.
Through Prayer: The Mishnah (Berachot 5:1) teaches that prayer is an expression of love, as one directs their heart to Hashem.
Through Mitzvah Observance: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 49) emphasizes that fulfilling mitzvot with joy demonstrates true love for the Divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 86a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of loving God and the consequences of desecrating His name.

📖 Sotah 31a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the different ways individuals serve God, whether out of love or fear, highlighting the ideal of serving out of love as commanded in this verse.

📖 Berakhot 54a

The verse is mentioned in the context of blessings and the obligation to love God, emphasizing the continuous nature of this commandment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'love the Lord your God' according to Orthodox Judaism?
A: In Orthodox Judaism, loving Hashem means serving Him with joy, devotion, and sincerity. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) explains that this love is achieved through studying Torah and recognizing His greatness. Rashi (Devarim 6:5) adds that our actions should inspire others to also love and serve Hashem.

Q: Why does the verse mention keeping 'his charge, statutes, judgments, and commandments' after loving Hashem?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 11:1) teaches that love of Hashem must lead to action - we express our love by observing all aspects of Torah law. 'His charge' refers to rabbinic safeguards, 'statutes' are mitzvot beyond human logic, 'judgments' are logical laws, and 'commandments' includes all mitzvot (see Rashi on this verse).

Q: How can we practically fulfill 'you shall love Hashem... always' in daily life?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 54a) teaches we should acknowledge Hashem's kindness in every situation. Rambam (Sefer Hamitzvot, Positive Commandment 3) explains this includes reciting Shema twice daily, studying Torah, and performing mitzvot with proper intention. The Chofetz Chaim adds that even mundane actions can become expressions of love when done for Hashem's sake.

Q: What is the connection between this verse and the previous chapter in Deuteronomy?
A: Rashi (Devarim 11:1) explains this verse follows the discussion of Hashem's greatness (in Chapter 10) to teach that recognizing Divine majesty naturally leads to love and observance. The Sforno adds that after seeing Hashem's care for Israel (described earlier), we're motivated to love Him through mitzvah observance.

Q: Why does the Torah specify 'all the days' regarding loving Hashem?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 2) teaches this means serving Hashem consistently - in good times and challenging times. The Talmud (Berachot 61b) recounts Rabbi Akiva's martyrdom while reciting Shema, demonstrating love 'with all your soul' even at life's end. The Baal Shem Tov taught this also means finding Hashem in every moment of daily life.