Adat Shalom • I written large, as is the last letter of the last world, ehad, one. These two letters spell the Hebrew word ed, meaning witness. The implication of this commentary is that in reciting the Sh'ma, the Jew bears witness that he believes in the one God, a God of righteousness, mercy and truth. What a glory and privilege it is that we have been called upon to be such witnesses. But the Jew who recites the Sh'ma does more than make a statement about belief. He also makes a commitment to live by the teachings of his faith. In the words of our sages, he thereby "accepts the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven." It is not enough to profess God in words. He also must be loved through deeds. Hence the verse of the Sh'ma is followed by the next passage, which declares "You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Subsequent verses define how this love is to be expressed — through the observance of command- ments, through the discipline of daily conduct, through the fulillment of sacred acts. Thus, these verses set forth the method by which we may Synagogue A Conservative Congregation realize the recognition of the divine unity, as well as our obligation to love God and obey His commandments. For this very passage of the Torah is to be written as a sign bound to man's hand, on frontlets worn before his eyes (tefillin) and on the doorposts of his house (mezuzah). Finally, these command- ments are not only to be obeyed by the adult communi- ty but must be transmitted to future generations. For this, the intensive education of the young is required. "And you shall teach them diligently unto your children." At the very heart of Judaism is this concern for the systematic education of the young, first in the family and then on a communal basis. Judaism emphasizes teaching situa- tions outside the classroom. No school can teach the love of God better than the home in which it is practiced at the table at mealtimes, at work and at play, at bedtime and at the hour of rising. Where Your Family Comes First Rabbi Efry Spectre Rabbi Elliot Pachter Cantor Larry Vieder Thus, the Sh'ma is the way of faith, love, commitment and education. The Sh'ma is our vision and our hope that someday all mankind will recognize one God and will become one humanity. ❑ Tables • Desks ] Wall Units Bedrooms Dining Rooms I SYNAGOGUES I Rabbi Silberberg Plans Talks ► Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg of Bais Chabad Torah Center will deliver a lecture on "The World of Prayer," 8 p.m. Sun- day at the Ann Arbor Chabad House. For information, call the Chabad House, 99-LEARN. Rabbi Silberberg will speak on "The Holiday of The Fif- teenth of Av" 8:15 p.m. Mon- day at the Torah Center. The lecture is part of the Monday night lecture series on basic Judaism. For information, call the Torah Center, 855-6170. Beth El Gives Mazon Grant Rabbi Julian I. Cook, associate rabbi of Temple Beth El, will present a $5,000 grant from Mazon to Noreen Keating, director of the Lighthouse in Pontiac, during services 8 p.m. Aug. 18. The Lighthouse will use the grant to purchase fruits and vegetables for those in need. Mazon is the nation's second-largest private fun- ding agency devoted to eliminating hunger. Since its founding in 1985, Mazon has distributed grants totalling $1,422,000. This grant is part of Mazon's most recent distribution totalling $370,000. Ibmple Beth El encourages its members to support Mazon by donating a portion of the cost of family life cycle celebrations to the foundation. Beth Achim Hears Liebhaber Rabbi Marc Liebhaber will deliver an address at Con- gregation Beth Achim during services Saturday. Rabbi Liebhaber is pub- lisher and senior editor of American Jewish World and president of World Council of Conservative Synagogues. The public is invited. For Appt. Call 10 Years Experience & Expertise in the Design of Affordable Laminate, Lucite & Wood Furniture Muriel Wetsman 661-3838 Barry's Let's Rent It PARTIES EXCLUSIVELY • Tents • Tables • Chairs • China • Paper Goods 4393 ORCHARD LAKE RD. N. OF LONE PINE IN CROSSWINDS IOUR NEW LOCATION) 855-0480 Music by Sam Barnett Big or small, we custom the music to your needs 968-2563 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 43