The Shema

When praying alone, outside of the synagogue or a minyan, begin with:

God, trustworthy King.

El Melekh ne-eman.

Close your eyes and cover with right hand.

Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elohaynu, Adonai Echad.

The next verse is spoken in undertones. Some congregations recite this part of the prayer at the same tone and with full intentionality.

Blessed be the name of his glorious kingdom for ever and ever.

Barukh Shem k’vod malkhuto l’olam va-ed.

Recite:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.

V-ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b-chol l’vavcha u-v-chol naf’sh’cha u-v-chol m’odecha.

And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart.

V-hayu ha-d’varim ha-ayleh asher anochi m’tzav’cha ha-yom al l’vavecha.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the way, when you lie down and when you arise.

V-shinatam l-vanecha, v-dibarta bam b-shivt’cha b-vaytecha, u-v-lecht’cha ba-derech, u-v-shachb’cha u-v-kumecha.

You shall bind them as a sign upon your arm, and they shall be for a reminder (tefillin) between your eyes.

U-k’shartam l’ot al yadecha, v-hayu l-totafot bayn aynecha.

And you shall write them upon the doorpost of your house and upon your gates.

U-chtavtam al m’zuzot baytecha u-vi-sharecha

The Shema comes from Deut 6:4-8. The centrality of the Shema to our belief is critical. Contained in these verses there are three main truths. We have the belief in the one indivisible God, the idea of ethical monotheism (that God is holy and requires his people to be holy and righteous), and also to teach the precepts of God to our families and communities.

The Shema is recited in the Synagogue, but also at home. It can be a part both morning and/or evening prayer times. It acknowledges our connection to the one true God and our devotion to live according to his word. The Shema directs us to live a life of purpose, devotion, and meaning. Being connected to God and being an emissary to the kingdom means that we do not live wasteful or superficial lives.

The commandment to “hear” in the Shema was not just directing us to listen, but also to believe with our hearts and embrace the sovereignty of God with our entire being. If we are to follow in his ways (Ps 128:1), we will be exclusively devoted to obeying his word and proclaiming his truth.

When his word and his presence is “in your heart” (Ps 1) we can dwell in his presence continually and meditate on his truth through the day. Notice the progression of the phrases, “shall be on your heart. You shall teach…” The Shema gives us a clue to having peace and unity in all of our relationships. What we dwell on in our hearts, we will eventually speak with our mouths (Luke 6:45). If our hearts are purposely dwelling on the power of God, we can be an edifying witness and compassionate proclaimer of grace (Phil 4:8).

In the Brit Chadashah, the Shema is also acknowledged as vital and was described as being a part of the two great commandments. Yeshua recited it in Matthew 22:37 and Mark 12:29-31. In this declaration, Yeshua adds Lev 19:18,” love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the perfect coupling of faith and practice. We are to love and obey God to the degree that our light spills out to influence others and point them to God through our faith and actions. The Shema orientates our hearts to acknowledge God and serve him daily. It is one of three commanded prayers in the Tanakh and is vital to our faith.