Shema

This custom has its origins in the Talmud.

Fringes for four-cornered garments.

Commentaries on the three paragraphs of the Shema read Jewish concepts both out of and into the text.

While the Shema has been seen as a declaration of absolute monotheism, it has other meanings in its biblical and liturgical contexts.

The structure of these three blessings reflects the historical progress from creation to revelation to redemption.

The three paragraphs of the Shema can be interpreted allegorically by connecting each of the three paragraphs to a different stage of a growing, loving relationship.