Tefillah Tips - Ahava Rabbah 1

The next blessing before the Shema is Ahava Rabbah which means, With an abundant Love. Ahava Rabbah expresses our recognition of the overflowing love that G-d has for His people.

There is actually a dispute in the Talmud Brachot 11B whether or not the wording should be Ahava Rabbah – With an abundant love or Ahavat Olam – With an eternal love. Therefore we utilize both opinions – one in the morning at Shacharit and one in the evening by Maariv.

The Etz Yosef points out something very interesting – namely that the letter Zayin – which is numerically 7- is not present in either Ahavat Olam or Ahava Rabbah. The reason for this is to make reference to the 7 possible loves in life: father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter and spouse. This is to demonstrate that the love that Hashem has for each and every one of us outshines and is beyond any earthly love available.

Rav Noach Orlowek shlitta stresses regularly how vital it is to teach our children of G-d’s infinite love is for all of His creations. A child that grows up feeling loved feels special. Is there any love more special then the Love of the King of all Kings?!

Before we are commanded in the Shema, Vahavata et Hashem Elokecha – You shall love the Lord your G-d, we first recite with gratitude and appreciation Ahava Rabbah – of G-d’s abundant love for us.

There are volumes of love poetry that have been written and thousands of love songs that have been sung – the human experience is enhanced and often driven by love. So too – our Tefillah- Prayer that we engage in day in and day out – in the morning, afternoon and night, before and after we eat, drink and even after we visit the restroom should be ignited by our loving relationship with Hashem Himself.

Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Ephraim Epstein