Shema Yisrael The Core Prayer of Judaism

Shema Yisrael (Hebrew: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, lit. 'Hear, Israel') is a central Jewish prayer that serves as the centerpiece of both morning and evening prayer services. Its first verse, taken from Deuteronomy 6:4, encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism: "Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH is one" (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד׃).

The Significance of the Shema

Observant Jews consider the Shema to be the most important part of the prayer service. Its twice-daily recitation is regarded as a mitzvah (a commandment by God). Beyond the daily services, it is traditional for Jews to recite the Shema as their final words in life and before going to sleep at night.

While the first verse is most famous, the term "Shema" is used by extension to refer to the entire sequence of portions from the Torah: Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Deuteronomy 11:13–21, and Numbers 15:37–41.

History and Liturgical Evolution

The recitation of the Shema in the liturgy consists of three distinct portions. These three portions are mentioned in the Mishnah (Berachot 2:2) and relate to central issues of Jewish belief. In the Mishnah (Berakhot 2:5), reciting the Shema is linked with re-affirming a personal relationship with God's rule, often described as "receiving the kingdom of heaven."

Additionally, the Talmud points out that subtle references to the Ten Commandments can be found within these three portions. Since the Ten Commandments were removed from daily prayer during the Mishnaic period (70–200 CE), the Shema serves as a daily opportunity to commemorate them.

The First Verse Shema Yisrael

The pivotal words are: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד (Šəmaʿ Yīsrāʾēl YHWH ʾĕlōhēnū YHWH ʾeḥād). In Rabbinic Judaism, the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) is considered the ineffable name of God and is not read aloud; instead, it is traditionally replaced with Adonai ("LORD").

The Baruch Shem

The second line, "Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever" (בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד), is a rabbinic addition. It is typically recited silently during congregational worship, except on Yom Kippur, when it is recited aloud. This addition was originally a liturgical response used in the Temple and was modified over time to counter claims of divine honors by Roman emperors and to address heretical views regarding the afterlife.

The V'ahavta

The verses following the first verse are known as the V'ahavta, beginning with the words "and you shall love..." (וְאַהַבְתָּ). These verses contain the command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might.