Unity of Divine Kingship

במדרש שמע ישראל סבא כו'.

“In the Midrash: ‘Shema Yisrael Saba,’ etc.”

The Sefat Emet begins by referencing a Midrash that identifies Jacob as the source of the declaration “Shema Yisrael,” emphasizing his spiritual role as the elder (‘Saba’) who transmits unity to his descendants.

כי זה האחדות נתן להם יעקב אע"ה כמ"ש וזאת אשר דיבר להם.

“For this unity Jacob, peace be upon him, gave to them, as it is written: ‘And this is what he spoke to them.’”

He explains that Jacob endowed his children with the fundamental spiritual unity, hinted in the phrase “this is what he spoke to them,” indicating a transmission of inner Divine oneness.

פי' בזוה"ק שנתן להם בחי' זאת והיא מלכות שמים להיות כל הנהגתם בבחי' זאת ומזה בא כל הברכות ועי"ז ויברך אותם:

“As explained in the Zohar: he gave them the aspect of ‘Zot,’ which is the Kingdom of Heaven, so that all their conduct would be in this aspect, and from this come all blessings, and through this he blessed them.”

The Zohar clarifies that Jacob transmitted the spiritual level called ‘Zot,’ associated with accepting the yoke of Heaven. When one’s life is guided by this awareness, blessing flows naturally. Jacob’s blessings to his sons emerge from this very channel.

Summary: Jacob bequeathed to his children the inner unity of “Zot,” identified with the Kingdom of Heaven. This foundational orientation shapes their spiritual conduct and becomes the source of all ensuing blessings.