The 2 blessings before Shema. Why do we need them? What are they? With both your hearts. Urgent and Assertive. With all your attachments. With your soul. Your vitality. Showing up. With your moreness. Your drive. Passion. Is this a practical ask? Hence, the 2 Brachos before. The epicness of HaShem, in the cosmos and spheres beyond us. And yet He chooses us. The earth and the Jew. First awe, respect, then love. Knowledge + Choice —> Love. Conscious love. Can you choose Him too. Worldly love. He makes Himself small so we can experience Him. He limits Himself. You can’t be with me always. Tzimtzum = the space I meet Gd. The contrast. Of concealment and revelation. Of dark and light. Of helpless and hopeful. He chooses our bodies. Our physical bodies. Our mouths. He chose us so we could experience His Unity. His Oneness.
