“Hashem Is One”: Yaakov’s Final Legacy and the Eternal Power of Shema Yisrael

The Moment That Defined a Nation

The enduring legacy of Yaakov Avinu (our patriarch Jacob) is deeply rooted in his descendants. This legacy reached its most profound expression in his final moments before leaving this world. On the verse, "Gather and listen, sons of Yaakov, and listen to Israel your father" (Genesis 49:2), the Sages teach in Bereishit Rabbah that this moment marked the birth of Kriyat Shema, the central declaration of Jewish faith.

As Yaakov lay on his deathbed, he gathered his twelve sons and asked them: “Listen to the One above, Hashem, your Father in Heaven. Do you harbor any doubt in your hearts about Him?” They responded unanimously: "Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad"—"Hear, O Israel (our father), just as there is no doubt in your heart, so too in ours. Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One."

This awe-inspiring moment became the source of the verse that would echo throughout Jewish history as the ultimate declaration of faith. The words uttered by Yaakov’s sons in unity, affirming their unwavering belief in Hashem, have since become the mantra of the Jewish people. It is repeated in times of joy and celebration.  It is proclaimed in moments of painful adversity, even by those distant from tradition.

One Source

The Malbim offers a profound explanation of the Shema’s deeper meaning. He explains that the belief in Hashem’s oneness includes the understanding that everything that happens in the world, whether perceived as good or bad, originates from a single Divine Source.

In his words: Hashem, the G-d of the universe, is One, and there is none besides Him. He is the root of all that exists and occurs in every realm. Whether events appear good or seem harsh, they all stem from Hashem's absolute goodness. What appears to us as evil is, in truth, only good cloaked in concealment, leading ultimately to blessing. This is the essence of the declaration “Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad”: the Name “Hashem” reflects mercy and kindness, while the Name “Elokim” reflects justice and discipline. But really, they are one and the same. All is unified in perfect Divine oneness and goodness.

Yaakov internalized this recognition during his lifetime. His defining trait, as the verse states, is truth: “Truth to Yaakov.” This deep truth led him to the ultimate awareness of Divine unity. "Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.”

Faith That Transcends Darkness

The Chiddushei HaRim comments on the verse “And Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt" and explains that through Yaakov’s defining attribute of truth, it is possible to live even within Mitzrayim (Egypt), a place of narrowness and constraint. The truth within him allowed him to see beyond external difficulty and to perceive the inner spiritual reality.

It was Yaakov who instituted the Maariv (evening) prayer, teaching us that even in darkness and challenging times, one must cling to the Divine Presence. Our sages declared: “Yaakov Avinu did not die.” His spiritual power remains alive in the hearts of his descendants for all generations. With this strength, we too can renew our faith in the words “Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.” Even when life brings pain and confusion, we are promised that these very moments will be transformed into goodness and blessing. In fact, the time of suffering itself often becomes the very source of salvation.

Yaakov’s final words were more than a farewell. They were a timeless transmission of truth and emunah (faith). The Shema is not merely a verse we recite; it is the heartbeat of Jewish identity, echoing the truth that no matter what we face, Hashem is One.