When Israel Recites Shema the Angels Fall Silent

Another interpretation: "The voice is the voice of Jacob" (Genesis 27:22) - behold, the voice silences those above and those below. It is written, "when they stood still, they let down their wings" (Ezekiel 1:24). But is there sitting on high? Is it not written "and their feet were a straight foot" (Ezekiel 1:7), that they have no knee-joints; and "I came near to one of them that stood by" (Daniel 7:16); and "seraphim stood above Him" (Isaiah 6:2); and "all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left"? Yet you say "when they stood" [implying they pause]. Rather, read it [not be-omdam, 'when they stand,' but] be-am dam, 'among the people of blood' - when Israel says "Hear, O Israel," the angels are silent, and afterward they let down their wings. And what do they say? "Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever." It is written, "when the morning stars sang together" (Job 38:7) - this is the seed of Jacob, who are likened to the stars, "and they that turn many to righteousness like the stars" (Daniel 12:3). And afterward, "and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7) - these are the angels. It is written, "then a spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a voice" (Ezekiel 3:12) - after I and my fellows had praised, then came "a great rushing." And what do they say? "Blessed be the glory of the LORD from His place" (Ezekiel 3:12). Rabbi Yehudah son of Rabbi Ilai said: Rabbi used to expound "the voice is the voice of Jacob" - the voice of Jacob cries out over what the hands of Esau did to him. Rabbi Yochanan said: Hadrian Caesar killed in Betar eight hundred thousand myriads of human beings.