Understanding Shema: The Central Prayer of Jewish Faith

The Shema (literally 'Hear') is the central declaration of Jewish faith, affirming the oneness of God. Its opening verse - 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One' (Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad) - is the most recognized phrase in Judaism. The Shema is not technically a prayer but a declaration and acceptance of divine truth.

The Shema comes from three passages in the Torah: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (the first paragraph about loving God), Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (the second paragraph about reward and punishment), and Numbers 15:37-41 (the third paragraph about tzitzit and remembering the commandments). These passages were chosen by the Sages to be recited daily.

The first paragraph begins with the declaration of God's unity and continues with the command to love God 'with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.' It instructs us to teach these words to our children, speak of them constantly, bind them as a sign (tefillin), write them on our doorposts (mezuzah), and keep them ever-present in our lives.

The second paragraph discusses the concept of reward and punishment. If we follow God's commandments, we will receive rain in its season and agricultural abundance. If we stray, the heavens will be shut and the land will not yield its produce. This paragraph reinforces the same practices of tefillin and mezuzah mentioned in the first.

The third paragraph commands the wearing of tzitzit (fringes) on the corners of garments. The blue thread (techelet) reminds us of the sky and God's throne. This paragraph also recalls the Exodus from Egypt, which is why it is included - we are obligated to remember the Exodus daily. The paragraph concludes: 'I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt to be your God.'

The Shema is recited twice daily: in the morning (Shacharit) and in the evening (Maariv). The morning Shema should be recited before the end of the third hour of the day. The evening Shema can be recited from nightfall until midnight (some say until dawn). Additionally, Shema is recited as part of the bedtime prayers and is traditionally the last words a Jew says before death.

When reciting the first verse, cover your eyes with your right hand to aid concentration. Pronounce each word carefully and distinctly. Elongate the last letter of 'Echad' (One) while meditating on God's sovereignty over all directions and dimensions. After the first verse, quietly say 'Baruch shem kevod malchuto l'olam va'ed' (Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom forever).

The Shema is considered the most important prayer in Judaism because it encapsulates the core of Jewish belief: monotheism and the covenant between God and Israel. It has been recited by Jews throughout history, including martyrs who died with these words on their lips. The Shema serves as a twice-daily renewal of our commitment to God and His teachings.