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Deuteronomy 11:13 - Love God, serve wholeheartedly?

Deuteronomy 11:13 - דברים 11:13

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ אֶל־מִצְוֺתַי אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם הַיּוֹם לְאַהֲבָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וּלְעָבְדוֹ בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁכֶם׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, if you hearken diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

Transliteration

Ve'haya im-shamo'a tishme'u el-mitzvotai asher anochi metzaveh etchem hayom le'ahava et-Adonai Eloheichem ule'avdo bechol-levavchem uvechol-nafshechem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מִצְוֺתַ֔י אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם לְאַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ וּלְעׇבְד֔וֹ בְּכׇל־לְבַבְכֶ֖ם וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃
וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מִצְוֺתַ֔י אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם לְאַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ וּלְעׇבְד֔וֹ בְּכׇל־לְבַבְכֶ֖ם וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Devarim 11:13) is part of the second paragraph of the Shema, emphasizing the fundamental mitzvah of loving Hashem and serving Him with complete devotion. It establishes a conditional promise: if Bnei Yisrael diligently observe the commandments, they will merit divine blessing. The language "וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ" ("And it shall come to pass, if you hearken diligently") underscores the importance of attentive and consistent observance.

The Dual Command: Love and Service

The verse highlights two primary obligations:

  • לְאַהֲבָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם ("to love the Lord your God"): According to Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2), this mitzvah entails recognizing Hashem's greatness through study and contemplation of His works. Rashi (on Devarim 6:5) explains that love of Hashem manifests in performing His commandments with joy and enthusiasm.
  • וּלְעָבְדוֹ בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁכֶם ("to serve Him with all your heart and soul"): The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) interprets "service of the heart" as tefillah (prayer). Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:1) codifies this as a biblical obligation. Serving "with all your soul" is understood by Chazal (Berachot 54a) to mean even at the cost of one's life, as in the case of martyrdom for Kiddush Hashem.

The Emphasis on "הַיּוֹם" ("This Day")

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם הַיּוֹם" ("which I command you this day") is interpreted by the Sifrei (Eikev 41) to mean that the mitzvot should feel as fresh and urgent as if they were given today. The Kli Yakar adds that this language reminds us to renew our commitment daily, avoiding rote observance.

Complete Devotion: "בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁכֶם"

The requirement to serve Hashem with "all your heart and soul" is expounded upon in Mesillat Yesharim (Chapter 19), which teaches that true avodat Hashem demands wholeheartedness, without division of loyalty. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:37) states that "all your soul" includes willingness to sacrifice physical desires for spiritual growth.

Practical Implications

  • Love of Hashem should inspire meticulous mitzvah observance (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 418).
  • Service "with all your heart" includes cultivating proper kavanah (intent) in prayer (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 98:1).
  • The phrase "with all your soul" obligates Jews to sanctify Hashem's name when necessary (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 2a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of serving God with all one's heart and soul, particularly in relation to prayer and devotion.
📖 Sotah 31a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the levels of love and fear of God, emphasizing the requirement to serve God with complete devotion.
📖 Berakhot 54a
The verse is mentioned in the context of blessings and the importance of recognizing God's commandments in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'serve God with all your heart and soul' in Deuteronomy 11:13?
A: According to Rashi and Rambam, serving God 'with all your heart' refers to performing mitzvot (commandments) with complete devotion and sincerity, while 'with all your soul' means being willing to sacrifice one's life for God if necessary (as seen in Jewish martyrdom throughout history). The Talmud (Berachot 54a) explains that loving God with all your heart includes serving Him with both your good and evil inclinations, directing all aspects of yourself toward divine service.
Q: Why is listening to God's commandments connected to loving Him in this verse?
A: The Sifrei (classic rabbinic commentary on Deuteronomy) teaches that true love of God is demonstrated through action - by carefully observing His commandments. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) explains that we come to love God through studying His wisdom as revealed in Torah, which naturally leads to fulfilling mitzvot. The verse connects hearing/obeying with loving because they are inseparable in Jewish thought - love without observance is incomplete.
Q: How can we apply 'love God and serve Him with all your heart' today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this verse applies daily through: 1) Praying with proper intention (kavanah), 2) Studying Torah regularly, 3) Performing mitzvot with joy, and 4) Recognizing God's presence in all aspects of life. The 'all your soul' aspect reminds us to prioritize Jewish values even when challenging. Modern halachic authorities like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein note this includes maintaining Jewish observance with pride in all circumstances.
Q: What does 'if you hearken diligently' mean in practical terms?
A: Rashi explains this double language ('shamoa tishmau') means one must study Torah diligently to properly understand how to observe mitzvot, and then teach others. The Talmud (Chagigah 3a) derives from this that Torah study requires constant review. Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) rules this obligates setting fixed times for Torah study daily. 'Diligently' implies both careful learning and consistent practice.
Q: Why does the verse say 'which I command you this day' - weren't commandments given earlier?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains 'this day' teaches that Torah should feel new and relevant every day, as if just given. The Kli Yakar adds that each generation must receive Torah anew. The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) derives from this that one should approach Torah study daily with fresh enthusiasm. 'This day' also refers to the mitzvah of remembering the giving of Torah at Sinai, which we commemorate daily in our prayers.