Royal Messages: Human & Angelic Song

What is the ultimate song of a human being declaring God as King? The Shema, as it says (Chullin 91b): Israel mentions God’s Name after only two words; “Shema Yisrael, Hashem.” The angels can only mention God’s Name after three words: “Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, Hashem.” The Talmud compares our Shema with the highest song of the angels.

In fact, the Vilna Gaon (Isaiah 6:3) explains that the Angels’ song actually describes the Shema; “Vikara” – and they call – refers to Keriat Shema, the first paragraph of Shema recited each morning and evening. “Zeh” – this one (angel) – refers to the second paragraph of Shema. “El Zeh” – to the other one – refers to the third paragraph of Shema.

We can begin preparing for God’s coronation by being more careful with the three paragraphs of Shema between now and Rosh Hashanah.

We should appreciate that our Shema is our Ultimate song of praise of God as King.