D'var Torah: The daily recitation of "Shema Yisrael HaShem Elokenu HaShem Echud" express our deepest expression of HaShem's Kingship over all of His creations. Our Sages reveal that when saying "Echad" -- "HaShem is One" -- it is appropriate to have in mind that HaShem is the King over Heaven, Earth, and the four directions of the Heavens. When we fulfill the Mitzvah of contemplating on HaShem's mastery over the universe when reciting the Shema, HaShem will extend the days and years of our lives!
Moral: Just as we take the time to integrate the awareness of HaShem into our hearts, so too, HaShem will extend the time of our days and years.
Application: Envision Yaacov Avinu reciting "Shema Yisrael HaShem Elokenu HaShem Echad." As he says "Echad" he concentrates on acknowledging that HaShem is King of Heaven, Earth, and the four directions of Heaven. Sense how he integrates his awareness of HaShem into the events of the upcoming day. Measure for measure HaShem blesses Yaacov with a long life, as per the verse, "And the years of Yaacov's life were seven years, and forty years, and a hundred years."
(Based on Brachot 13b)
