Note 128 — II. OUR DUTIES. (continued 3)

The reading of the shema is preceded by two berachoth: (1) ‏יוצר אור‎ Praise of the Creator for the regular sequence of day and night, light and darkness; (2) ‏אהבה רבה‎ or ‏אהבת עולם‎ Praise of His goodness in giving us the Torah, and prayer for His assistance in the study of the Torah. The shema is followed by a berachah on the Redemption of Israel; it contains a reflection on the last words of shema, “I am the Lord your God,” an expression of our faith in the truth of these words, which strengthen our belief in the future Redemption of Israel.128 In the Evening Service a second berachah follows, beginning ‏השכיבנו‎, and containing a prayer for protection during the night.129