Kavanot of Shema

In yesterday's post, I noted that it is of utmost importance to have full concentration while reciting Shema at both Shacharit and Arvit. In order to help us concentrate on these words, our Rabbis have given us suggestions as to the ideas we should focus on when reciting Shema.

As most of these "kavanot" have to do with Hashem's name, they are appropriate to use any time His name is said, but again, since the Shema is a Torah commandment, it is important to have them in mind at the time one is saying the Shema.

Many of these can be found in the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 5. Others I have heard along the way:

Word	Kavanah (Concentration)
Shema Yisrael	A literal translation of the words should be in mind: "Hear, O Israel"
Hashem	Adon Hakol - Master of all Hayah, Hoveh, Ve'Yihyeh - He was, is and will be. Translated into Hebrew, these words are comprised of the four letters of Hashem's name.
Elokeinu	Ba'al HaKochot/HaYecholet u'Va'al HaGevurot Kulam - Master of the strengths and mights, and Master of all abilities.
Hashem	Same as above
Echad	The last word of Shema is where one should have in mind to accept upon him the yolk of heaven. You can also break down the word into each individual letter: Alef, which is equal to one, therefore refers to the Oneness of Hashem. The Chet is a reference to this world and the seven mystical levels of Heaven which total equal Chet's numerical value of eight. And Daled, whose numerical value is four, can be associated with the four corners of the Earth which Hashem has dominion over.

The next post will most likely be next Wednesday, August 12.