Hear O Israel

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First of the commandments,

the most important,

one that stands out among all the rest,

a scribe seeks an answer.

Hear O Israel,

the response flows with ease

from the mouth of the chosen.

Hear O Israel,

love the Lord your God

with every fiber of you being.


And the second,

there are two,

which shape the answer sought.

Hear O Israel,

love your neighbor

as you love yourself.

Do these things

and you will not be far

from the kingdom you seek.


copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr

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