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Shema: The Three Paragraphs


The first paragraph (from Deuteronomy 6:5-9) says that we should love God. In the preceding blessings, we saw how much God loves us, so now God says to us, “I want it to be a two-way relationship. I want you to love me.”

The second paragraph (from Deuteronomy 11:13-21) speaks about the obligations in our relationship with God. In order for it to be a meaningful relationship that develops and lasts, there has to be a sense of obligation. There are obligations that we have to God, that God has to us as well. It’s just like in a marriage. The husband fulfills his duties and so does the wife.

The third paragraph (from Numbers 15:37-41) speaks about the reliability and stability of the relationship.

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