Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to love God 'with all your heart, soul, and might'?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Berachot 54a), 'with all your heart' means serving God with both your good and evil inclinations (directing all desires toward holiness). 'With all your soul' means even if one must give up their life (martyrdom for sanctifying God's Name). 'With all your might' refers to loving God with all one's wealth and possessions (Mishnah Berachot 9:5).
Q: Why is this verse so important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), the fundamental declaration of Jewish faith recited twice daily. The Rambam (Hilchot Kriyat Shema 1:2) explains that accepting God's unity and loving Him completely are foundational principles of Torah. The Sifrei calls this 'the great principle of the Torah.'
Q: How can a person practically fulfill loving God with all their heart?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches this includes making God's Name beloved through proper conduct - studying Torah with diligence, dealing honestly in business, and speaking gently with others. Rambam (Sefer Hamitzvot, Positive Commandment 3) explains we achieve this love through contemplating God's great works and wisdom revealed in creation.
Q: What does it mean to love God 'with all your soul'?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 61b) gives the example of Rabbi Akiva who joyfully accepted martyrdom while reciting Shema, fulfilling 'with all your soul.' Midrash Tanchuma (Va'etchanan 3) explains this means being ready to sacrifice one's life rather than abandon Torah principles, as Jews have done throughout history during persecutions.
Q: How does this commandment apply in daily life today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 1:1) begins by stating we should strengthen ourselves like a lion to serve God each morning. Practical applications include: beginning each day with Shema (showing love of God), performing mitzvot with enthusiasm, using our talents and resources for Torah causes ('with all your might'), and constantly remembering God's presence (Deuteronomy 6:6).
The Commandment of Loving Hashem
The verse "וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶךָ" (Devarim 6:5) is one of the foundational mitzvot in the Torah, commanding us to love Hashem with all aspects of our being. This mitzvah is central to Jewish thought and is part of the daily recitation of the Shema.
Explanation of "With All Your Heart" (בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ)
Rashi explains that loving Hashem "with all your heart" means serving Him with both your yetzer tov (good inclination) and yetzer hara (evil inclination). The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) elaborates that this love should inspire a person to draw others to the service of Hashem through wisdom and righteous deeds.
Explanation of "With All Your Soul" (וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ)
The Talmud (Berachot 61b) interprets "with all your soul" as being willing to sacrifice one's life for the sanctification of Hashem's name (Kiddush Hashem). This is exemplified by the martyrdom of Rabbi Akiva, who recited Shema while being tortured by the Romans, declaring his love for Hashem even at the cost of his life.
Explanation of "With All Your Might" (וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶךָ)
Onkelos translates "with all your might" as "with all your possessions," teaching that one must be prepared to sacrifice material wealth for the sake of Hashem. The Sifrei adds that this includes gratitude—recognizing that all one's resources come from Hashem and using them in His service.
Practical Applications
Kabbalistic Insight
The Zohar teaches that this verse corresponds to the three levels of the soul: Nefesh (basic life force), Ruach (emotional spirit), and Neshamah (intellectual soul). Loving Hashem with all three ensures the elevation of every aspect of one's being.