Ahava rabbah (Hebrew: אהבה רבה, [with an] abundant love, also Ahavah raba and other variant English spellings) is a prayer and blessing that is recited by followers of Ashkenazi Judaism during Shacharit (the morning religious services of Judaism) immediately prior to the Shema, the "Hear O Israel..." prayer. Followers of Sephardi Judaism do not recite this prayer; instead they recite Ahavat Olam, which is recited by Ashkenazim during Maariv[1].
It was during the time of the Geonim that the recitation of this prayer was added.[2]
This prayer is an expression of thanks for the love God has given the people.[3] It thanks G-d for the gift of the Torah, which provides life.[4] and for making the Jewish people the chosen nation.[5]
Ahava rabbah is recited during Shacharit, and Ahavat Olam during Maariv as a compromise. The Talmud provides differing views on which one should be recited. Ahava Rabbah, being the longer of the two, is therefore recited in the morning, and Ahavat Olam in the evening.[6]
Ahava rabbah is recited immediately before the Shema because its recital brings on the obligation to immediately learn, or at the very least, recite verses from the Torah. Since the Shema is composed of verses from the Torah, its recital fulfills that obligation.[7]
The recitation of Ahava Rabbah fulfills the mitzvah of Torah study. Normally, verses from the Torah are recited during Birkat HaShachar. But if one forgets to recite these verses then, the obligation is met through the recitation of Ahava Rabbah. However, the recitation of the Shema does not meet this requirement, even thought it is composed of verses from the Torah.[8]
It is during Ahava rabbah in which the four corners of the tzitzit are gathered, which occurs at the words "Bring us peace at the four corners of the earth." They are held throughout the Shema and kissed four times during the third paragraph of the Shema and once during Vayatziv (the paragraph following the Shema) and then released.[9] The gathering of the tzitzit on these words is symbolic of the gathering of the Jewish people[10]
The prayer contains multiple requests to God. One of them is being enlightened to the Torah is a part of the prayer. Another is that G-d to protect us from shame. It is stated that those who cleave to a life of mitzvot will not be shamed.[11] Another is that the Jewish people are gathered from the four corners of the world and returned to Israel.[12]