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Question:

What should a person have in mind when he recites the "Shema?"

Answer:

Reciting the Shema. Drawing: Ester Prizent

The person should extend pronouncing the middle letter "chet" of the word "Echad," in order to enthrone G-d's Kingship over the heaven and earth. The pronunciation of the last letter "Dalet" of the same word should also be drawn out just a little to reflect that the Holy One Blessed Be He is the One and Only G-d in His world, sovereign over the four directions of the earth. It is customary to recite the first verse of the "Shema" in a loud voice to help arouse heartfelt intention, and one is to place his right hand over his eyes.

Regarding Kaballistic intentions, the Arizal teaches that when a person recites the very first sentence of the "Shema," when he says the word "echad," he should have in his mind that he is prepared to give up his life to sanctify the Name of Hashem. This means that he should think that if a non-Jew were to approach him and threaten to kill him if he does not perform some act of idol worship, he would agree to be killed rather than worship the idol in order to magnify the honor of G-d (Shar HaKavanot, On Kriat Shema, Folio 24, Column B).

Jews Burn At the Stake Rather Than Forsake Their Faith

The renowned Kaballist, Rav Yaacov Abuchatzera, explains that even though the person is only imagining his willingness to die for G-d but not actually being killed sanctifying Hashem, it is considered as if he were, since everything follows after the intention in a person's heart ("Machsof HaLavan," Devarim, Pg. 447).

In doing so, he brings upon himself a measure of the great blessing, awesome rectification, and supreme station in Gan Eden (heaven) enjoyed by the martyrs who actually sacrificed their lives for the honor of G-d.