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What does it mean to "love G-d with all your heart, soul and means"?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

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"And you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your means." - Deuteronomy 5:6

As with every word in the Torah, these words of the Shema which we recite twice daily have many explanations. Here is Rashi’s commentary on the verse (culled from Midrashic sources):

“With all your heart”:

[The double “Bet” in the word levaevcha, instead of the usual form of this word, lebecha, which contains one “Bet”, suggests:] Love Him with your two inclinations [the good and the evil]. Another explanation; “with all your heart,” is that your heart should not be divided [i.e., at variance] with the Omnipresent.

“And with all your soul”:

Even if He takes your soul [life].

“And with all your means”

Deeper meditation leads one to recognize that the life of a finite mortal is completely insignificant in comparison to the greatness of G-d
With all your possessions. There are people whose possessions are more precious to them than their own bodies. Therefore, it says, “and with all your means.”

Chassidic teachings – as always – add a deeper interpretation:

“With all your heart”:

This refers to a love for G-d which stems from a person’s understanding that all he has, including his very life itself, is a gift from G-d. Just as a person “loves” life, and would do anything to preserve his life, so, too, a person should love the One who grants him life, health, prosperity, etc. This love is predicated on one’s own desire for life; on one’s own self-importance.

“And with all your soul”:

Deeper meditation leads one to recognize that the life of a finite mortal is completely insignificant in comparison to the greatness of G-d. This, a moment of connection with G-d is infinitely more significant, meaningful and precious than a lifetime of physical luxury and bliss. This love leads one to willingly sacrifice his life for the sanctification of G-d’s holy name.

“And with all your means”

In the previous level of love the person is still seeking something “significant, meaningful and precious” – but has the insight to understand that this can be found only through connection to G-d. The ultimate level of love, however, is where the person has no ulterior motive whatsoever. The Jew loves G-d because His soul is a burning coal of love for its Creator. He does mitzvahs not for the physical or spiritual gain—but because this is the desire of his beloved G-d.


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G-d » Me and Him
Mitzvot » Prayer » About
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Rashi
Acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105). Legendary French scholar who authored the fundemental and widely accepted "Rashi commentary" on the entire Bible and Talmud.
Chassidic
(Pl.: Chassidim; Adj.: Chassidic) A follower of the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of "Chassidut." Chassidut emphasizes serving G-d with sincerity and joy, and the importance of connecting to a Rebbe (saintly mentor).
Deuteronomy
The fifth of the Five Books of Moses. This book is a record of the monologue which Moses spoke to the Israelites in the five weeks prior to his passing.
Shema
The most fundamental Jewish prayer, recited twice daily. This prayer, of Biblical origin, professes the belief in G-d's absolute unity.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.