Bar Kappara Tells His Nephew Hiyya to Lead the Shema

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Re'eh 9:3

Hiyya bar Adda, the son of bar Kappara's sister, had a pleasant voice. So bar Kappara would say to him: My son, recite the Shema, and pass before the Ark (to lead the congregation in prayer), on account of (Proverbs 3:9): "Honor the LORD with your substance" — with that which He has graced you. Another interpretation: "Honor the LORD with your substance (me-honekha)." Serve Him with your substance, before you come to serve Him without substance (that is, in poverty).

Themes

Biblical References