The third blessing after the Shma of Maariv is an odd collection of verses from all over the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible). Odd, because no one seems to know exactly when the prayer was composed, and by whom, and why it was inserted at this particular place in the service.
Be that as it may, the verses in this miscellany are beautiful, and convey an array of theological messages. Just take the first four verses:
“Blessed is Ad-nai forever, amen and amen.
Blessed is Ad-nai from Zion, as He dwells in Jerusalem, Hallelujah.
Blessed is Ad-nai, G-d of Israel, who alone does wonders.
Blessed is His glorious name forever, His glory will fill the whole earth, amen and amen.”
There is an almost musical sense to these verses, with “Blessed is…” serving as the backbeat. As we recite them, we go on a theological journey that begins beyond time (“forever”), but suddenly, jarringly, focuses us on one very particular place (“Zion”). From that place, we shift to one very particular relationship (“G-d of Israel”). Having now centered G-d’s Presence in a particular place and with a particular people, we again recognize G-d’s transcendent reality, but now beyond space (where G-d’s glory will “fill the whole world”).
A trip through the divine universe in 30 words. Not bad as sermons go.
(Rabbis take note).