The Shema is one of the most central prayers in Judaism, but have you ever noticed how it’s structured? It begins with “You shall love Hashem, your God…” (Veahavta et Hashem Elokecha), and only later does it move into the call to observe commandments: “And it will be, if you listen to My mitzvahs…”
Why this order? Wouldn’t it make more sense to start with what we’re supposed to do—the mitzvahs—and then talk about love?
One of my teachers shared a powerful insight that explains this beautifully. If you don’t love someone, even the smallest favor they ask can feel heavy and inconvenient. But when you truly love someone, even a big or challenging request feels lighter—it’s a joy to help because the love makes it worth it.
The Shema teaches us the same lesson about our relationship with Hashem. Love comes first. When we cultivate love for God, the mitzvahs don’t feel like obligations we’re forced to endure—they become meaningful acts of connection and devotion. It’s love that transforms “I have to” into “I want to.”
This idea also applies to our everyday lives. Love makes all the difference in how we approach challenges and requests from others, whether it’s our relationships with family, friends, or God.
