Sh’ma For Your Health

Sh’ma, says the Gemarah, (including “kail melech ne’eman”\”Hashem e-lokeichem emes”) has 365 words, and is a segulah for our health. We are careful with Hashem’s 365 words; He is careful with our 365 body parts.

Tosfos explains with a parable; Once there was a fellow who lived in Eretz Yisroel, but had his fields in America. Every year he would fly in to care for his fields. Once, waiting for his flight in the airport, he chanced upon another fellow just coming off the plane. “Sholom alaichem reb yid! What brings you to Eretz Yisroel?” he asked. “Well, you see, although I live in America my fields are here in Eretz Yisroel, and so I am forced to fly in to care for them” answered the newcomer. “Say, I have the same thing, only reversed. Here is an idea”, said the first, “why don’t you stay in America and care for my fields there, and I’ll care for your fields here!” Well, that’s exactly what they did, and they lived happily ever after!

So too, our health is our concern, yet is in the hands of Hashem. Sh’ma is Hashem’s concern, but is in our hands. We watch over His, and He will watch over ours.