Shema, The

The Shema starts with Judaism’s defining statement: “Hear O Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d, the L‑rd is One.” It then discusses some of Judaism’s basics, such as love of G‑d and Torah study.

Our Sages tell us that the creation of the entire world is considered a worthwhile endeavor just for the acceptance of the yoke of Heaven that we enact during the daily recital of Shema.

When one recites the Shema, he should do so tremulously, with concentration, reverence and awe, as people are wont to do when reading a new communication issued by the king.

Transliteration: She-ma Yis-ro-el Ado-noy Elo-hay-nu Ado-noy Ech-od. Bo-ruch Sheim Ke-vod Mal-chu-so Le-olom Vo-ed. Ve-o-havto Eis Ado-noy Elo-he-cho Bechol Levov-cho U-ve-chol Naf-she-cho U-ve-chol Me-o-de-cho. Ve-ho-yu Ha-devorim Ho-ei-leh Asher ...

The first step of Shema is to lift yourself into a space from which you can see the view from above.

Try to imagine life without the word "because."

The Hebrew word for prayer, tefilah means "to judge." It also means "attachment"

What does it mean to "lengthen" the echad ("one") of the Shema?

Home in the womb, on the road of life, lying down in the grave, and waking up in the World to Come...