Proper Kavana For Shema

Halacha Moment
Jul 7
3 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - Proper Kavana For Shema

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

What Kavana should one have during Shema?

Answer:

In addition to having the general kavanah (intention) to fulfill the positive mitzvah of reciting Shema, since we hold that mitzvot require conscious intent to be fulfilled(Shulchan Aruch 60:4), one must specifically have focused kavanah during the first pasuk, "Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad." [1] This is because this pasuk contains the central themes of Kabalat Ol Malchut Shamayim (acceptance of the yoke of Heaven) and Yichud Hashem (recognition of God's absolute oneness and sovereignty). Without mentally affirming these core ideas, one has not fulfilled the essential purpose of the Shema.

For the remaining sections of Shema, while proper concentration is certainly commendable, the minimum requirement is to ensure that one is reciting the words attentively and deliberately and not merely pronouncing them out of habit or by accident (mitasek). [2]

When articulating the word "Echad" at the end of the first pasuk, one should pause and concentrate on its profound meaning: that Hashem is the one and only Master over the entire universe—over the four cardinal directions, as well as above and below. [3] This moment is a declaration of Hashem’s total unity and dominion over all realms of existence.

Although one should prolong the pronunciation of "Echad" slightly to reflect on this concept, care must be taken not to stretch the word unnaturally or in a way that distorts its proper pronunciation. It should be lengthened just enough to allow for the appropriate kavanah, but still sound like the word "Echad" as it is normally said. [4]

Sources:

[1]. The Rashba 1:344 writes that even though one needs Kavana by every mitzvah by Shema and Shmoneh Esrei one needs also to think about the words. This is also the opinion of Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 60:5 .

[2]. Raah (Brachot 2e) writes that there’s three levels of Kavana; first is not to be Metasek to intend to do the action of the mitzvah such as reading the words of Shema even if his intention is to check that it’s written correctly, then second is Kavana to fulfill every mitzvah, and the third Kavana is to intend every word for Hashem as one is able. This is quoted by Sefer Hashlama, Sefer Meorot, Rav Avraham Alashvili, Shitah Mekubeset, Ritva all found on Brachot 13a, and Avudraham (Siddur Kol Hashana). Shulchan Aruch 60:5 rules that the first Kavana is sufficient for the rest of Shema and the third level of Kavana is needed for the first pasuk of Shema.

[3]. Berachot 13b, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 61:6

[4]. Shulchan Aruch 61:6 writes that you shouldn't extend the word Echad more than the time it takes to think that Hashem is king of the four directions, up and down. Pri Chadash 61:6 posits that the reason is that one might fall behind and miss tefillah with the congregation. Piskei Teshuvot 61:6 writes that one shouldn't extend the eched too long otherwise it won't sound normal. See also Mishna Berurah 61:21.