Oneness of Hashem

Oneness of Hashem

 

Yichud Hashem, the unity and oneness of Hashem, is a fundamental mitzvah, “Ikar hagadol shehakol talui boi,” a primary principle upon which practically all of Yiddishkeit is dependent. We need to be mindful of the oneness of Hashem when we say the word echad in Kriyas Shema and when we put on tefillin; every time we pass a mezuzah, it should serve as a reminder of the mitzvah of Yichud Hashem. It is one of the six mitzvos that apply at all times, and is incumbent upon women as well. It encompasses the following concepts: Hashem is the only One Who controls the universe, and there is no other being in control other than Him; no one can stop His wishes from being fulfilled, and He alone is responsible for everything that happens; Hashem is omniscient and omnipotent, and no one is comparable to Him. A deeper level of the mitzvah of Yichud Hashem is addressed by the Shelah: Not only are we to believe that there is One G-d, as Hashem is the only One Who controls the universe; rather, Hashem is One, because there is no real existence other than Hashem—“Ein oid Milevadoi”.  A proper understanding of this concept is beyond the scope of this article; for a more comprehensive study of this subject, one should explore the writings of Chassidus, which are based on this tenet. #298?1

https://halacha2go.com?number=298

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.