This image is the expression of the watchwords of Judaism. In the background, the red color field symbolizes G-d and the metallic color field represents His heavenly realm.
The proper cantillation (chanting) of the first line is shown by the trope marks in the line that separates the two color fields. From the arc at the top, twelve drips descend, representing the twelve sons of our patriarch, Jacob (Israel) from whom the twelve tribes originated. These drips reference the Midrash story that inspired this painting. The Midrash tells us that when Israel was on his death bed, he was surrounded by his sons. They announced, “Listen, Israel (father), the Lord is our G-d…” to assure their father that they not only understood this basic tenet of Judaism, but would maintain their allegiance to it.