Rabbi Shimon said, ‘Be meticulous in reciting the Shema and in prayer’ (Ethics, 2:13) The Hebrew word for meticulous, ‘zahir,’ relates to the word ‘zohar,’ ‘to shine.’ Rabbi Shimon specified reciting the Shema and praying, not Torah study, because prayer is relevant to every Jew, regardless of his level of learning. Each Jew is enjoined to shine forth and illuminate his surroundings in this manner. Although in general, light is associated with Torah study and not prayer, Rabbi Shimon generated the potential for such light to be produced through reciting the Shema and the daily prayers.” (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)
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