The Shema continues: “Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for eternity.”

The Eitz Yosef explains that, after having proclaimed that Hashem is our King, we now offer up thanks that Hashem gives us the opportunity and the honor to serve Him. However, unlike the Shema, which we declare out loud and with great fervor, our verse, “Blessed is the Name…” is recited quietly.

Our Sages offer two different reasons for this custom. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 98) relates that, just prior to his passing from this world, Yaakov Avinu wanted to disclose to his twelve sons the date of the Final Redemption, when the Mashiach would reveal his identity. However, as he was about to do so, the Shechinah [Divine Presence] left him, and Yaakov understood that he was not permitted to divulge to them that precious piece of information. The Midrash explains that Hashem would not allow the date of the Final Redemption to be revealed because at some point, on hearing just how far into the future the Final Redemption was destined to be, the Jewish People might despair of ever being delivered from the bitter exile.

However, Yaakov Avinu wasn’t aware that that was the reason why the Shechinah had left him. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayechi 11) relates that when he realized that the Shechinah had departed, he was apprehensive, thinking that the Shechinah must have abandoned him because one of his sons was not as righteous as he thought. And, if so, he wasn’t worthy of receiving the Divine blessings.

In trepidation, he asked his sons, “How do I know whether you are wholeheartedly devoted and committed to Hashem?” And they answered in unison, “Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad!” On hearing their instantaneous and heartfelt reply, Yaakov gave thanks to Hashem and responded, “Baruch Shem Kavod Malchuto LeOlam Va’ed – Blessed is the Name of His glorious Kingdom for eternity.”

Our Sages ask,(Pesachim 56a), “Should we say these words in our Tefillot because Yaakov said them?” They answer, “Yes. But, on the other hand, Moshe did not transmit it to us, for it is not found in the Torah. Therefore, we should say it quietly.”

A different reason for saying it quietly is found in the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:36). The Midrash relates that when Moshe ascended to the Spiritual Realms to receive the Torah, he heard the angels singing “Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for eternity” to Hashem. The experience was so beautiful that Moshe taught it to the Jewish nation after his return. However, because of its intense spirituality, we – not being angels – do not say it aloud as the angels did. There is, however, one day of the year when we allow ourselves to proclaim it out loud, and that is on Yom Kippur. Because, on Yom Kippur, it is as if we have elevated ourselves to the level of angels by spiritually cleansing ourselves through Teshuvah.

“Baruch Shem Kavod Malchuto LeOlam Va’ed.” Such sublime words! Words that remind us that Teshuvah can be done at any time. That we don’t have to wait until Yom Kippur to begin the process. And, perhaps, this is one of the reasons why we recite the Shema before going to sleep. As we have learned together in the first two parts of this series, before retiring for the night, a person should make a cheshbon hanefesh, to reflect on what they have done throughout their day. In effect, we are beginning the process that will turn our tomorrow into something even better than today. Or, in the words of Albert Einstein, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

To be continued…