You shall love Hashem your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Devarim 6:5)

The Torah tells us that we are obligated to serve Hashem with our hearts and our souls. This mitzvah is referred to in general as “Ahavas Hashem”. Aside from this mitzvah there is another mitzvah called “Yiras Shamayim” which refers to fearing G-d. Why don’t we say “Yiras Hashem” and/or “Ahavas Shamayim”? Why is it that the word “Ahava” goes with “Hashem” and while the word “Shamayim” is used in regard to “Yira”?

To preface the answer, I would point out that often in the vernacular of the Jewish people’s language, there are concealed messages in our choice of words to express things. “Love” implies a closeness. One who works on becoming closer to someone, will love them more and more. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 10:6) says that through getting greater knowledge and understanding of Hashem and His ways, the love of Hashem increases. On the other hand, regarding “fear”, we naturally distance ourselves from what makes us tremble. Therefore, we allude to our fear of Hashem as fear of the heavens, because our awe of Him causes us to feel distant.

This long exile has a bit of both in it. The fear of Hashem is instilled in us, and the yearning to become close is kindled within. We have both of these emotions: closeness of love and fear of the Omnipresent in our bones.

I believe with Tisha B’Av behind us and an appraisal of our situation (through the historical lens and our current situation) both of these phrases seem to fall into place. The fact that the Jewish people have survived throughout history and are still around is probably the closest proof that Hashem loves us and does not let us disappear. This is seen time and time again by direct intervention of Hashem in our lives.

Even in the present situation, when we see Hashem’s strong hand upon us, it is still cushioned with miracle after miracle. Yes, we have at this time an unbelievable closeness and feelings of Ahavas Hashem. And, at the same time, we have a feeling of distance expressed as Yiras Shamayim, afraid to even think of coming closer.

During the sheva denechemta – the seven weeks of consolation – we try to create feelings of love and closeness. Despite the war and rubble that surrounds us, and other obligations pulling us in every direction, we try to have our love of Hashem pronounced in all of our actions.

In the introduction to his Siddur Bais Yaakov, Rav Yaakov Emden (1697-1776) writes, “How can the heretic in G–d’s Providence not be ashamed? Simply analyze our situation in this world. We are the exiled people, the scattered sheep. Despite all that has happened to us over thousands of years, we are still here. I swear that when I marvel at this wonder, it is much greater to me than all the miracles that Hashem performed for our ancestors in Egypt, in the desert, and In Eretz Yisrael.”

I believe that this year in particular many of us have been tested with all three aspects described in the above passuk from Shema. Probably every Jew knows someone who was lost in this war; someone who had great financial losses; and others whose true love of Hashem was put to a test. This year too, after Tisha b’Av , we express a resurgence of our allegiance to Hashem, which is expressed in this passuk in this week’s parsha.

With Hashem’s help, may we merit that the first verse of Shema Yisrael be fulfilled as well.  All of klal Yisrael should announce in unison: “Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.” I believe deeply that if we do that together, we will feel the manifestation of Hashem’s presence in our midst.