Sh'ma+&+V'Ahavta

= The Structure =
 * We cover our eyes when we say the first line.
 * We draw out the last word "אחד/One" stressing the last sound "ד/D" to stress the importance of God's oneness.
 * Traditionally we say the second line in a whisper.
 * We chant the ואהבת right after the second line of the שמע, using the melody from the Torah - the Trope.
 * Some synagogues only recite the first paragraph, others, the 3 paragraphs after the שמע.

= The Story =
 * The שמע states the central idea of Jewish tradition - There is only one God.
 * The ואהבת teaches us that we love God by studying Torah and thinking about, talking about and performing mitzvot. They need to be central in our lives.
 * There are rituals we do to remind ourselves about mitzvot.

= The Spiritual =
 * Why is listening important? How is it related to paying attention?
 * Why do we close our eyes? Can we only hear with our ears?
 * There is a midrash about Jacob on his death bed, uttering the second line to himself in response to his children declaring their belief in one God. What does this teach you?
 * How is God YOUR God?
 * What is a mitzvah?
 * Is there a difference between a mitzvah and a right?
 * Why is education so important?

=__Activity Ideas__=
 * Students will learn how to sign the שמע ואהבת. They can then do a vodcast tutorial to teach it.
 * The story of Jacob and his sons and the שמע can be depicted using Make Beliefs Comix.
 * An Animoto slide show featuring elements featured in this תפילה (listening, oneness, mezuzot, t'fillin) can be created. The soundtrack can be students chanting the תפילה.
 * Students from each synagogue can have a Skype discussion, comparing how the שמע ואהבת are recited at their respective congregations. Notes from this discussion can be posted on the school's websites.
 * The שמע ואהבת will be added into the VoiceThread siddur.
 * Create a 140 character interpretation can be included in a tweeting siddur.
 * Create a glog or powerpoint slide featuring the שמע ואהבת.

= Decoding =
 * Go here.