Shema Audio

An insight on the Kaddish and the Shema and its Blessings. What to contemplate when reciting the Shema, and what the angels do when they recite the Shema.

What is the deeper meaning of the shema prayer? Does it mean that there is just one G-d, or just One anything?

This class provides an in-depth understanding of the themes contained in the reciting of the Shema.

This class provides an in-depth understanding of the verse shema yisroel; the fundamental declaration of faith in G-d’s unity.

The sacred words of the Shema have been recited throughout the ages and in the darkest of times of Jewish history. Shema means to listen. Sadly, in today’s day and age we have lost the art of listening. This week’s message highlights the importance of really listening to those around us and most importantly to the voice deep within ourselves. The story is about the secret that was found in the worn out rags of an inmate who was sent to the gas chambers in Auschwitz.

This class expounds upon the concept of loving G-d that’s mentioned in the first portion of the shema; v’ahavtah.

This class illuminates the subject of mitzvot as part of our love to G-d that’s stated in the second portion of shema; v’ha’yah.

The twelve Torah passages (known as the 12 Pesukim) present the Torah’s fundamental ideas empowering us with the spiritual strength needed to face the current challenges in life. The second step is the verse “Shema Yisrael” (“Hear, O Israel: G d is our L rd, G d is one”). Discover how this key passage expresses our deep connection and loyalty to G-d, and testifies to the ultimate presence of the divine in this world!

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

We use the emergence of speech from the human psyche to experience the act of creation within ourselves.

Real secrets don't need to be hidden--they are known only to those who already know. The most absolute secret is to know existence itself.

Now we bring this all back down to earth with an added line after the Shema.

Many fundamental beliefs of Judaism can be found in this prayer. Learn how to internalize its message to improve your relationship with G-d.

Prior to the formal prayer service, we recite the minor Shema prayers declaring G-d’s oneness. We proceed to state Torah passages related to the Temple service, both the animal and incense offerings—and engage in minimal Torah study.

The third section of prayer consists of the Shema and its preceding and following blessings. They correspond to the third rung on the ladder of prayer—the realm of intelligence, which is higher than the previous two rungs of action and emotion.

The central prayer of Shema Yisrael (Hear O Israel . . . G-d Is One) begins with the essential statement of Jewish faith, wherein we proclaim our absolute belief in one unified G-d. Discover profound insight into how the Shema stands at the epicenter of our existence and ultimately encapsulates our historic experience at Sinai.

In this class we learn the deeper meaning of the verse “Shema Yisroel” (Hear O’ Israel), in which we bear witness to the oneness of G-d.

In the first paragraph of the Shema (v’Ahavta), after submitting to G-d’s sovereignty, we accept the yoke of His commandments. This begins with the instruction to love G-d, which motivates and energizes the performance of mitzvahs. This class also addresses the famous question of how G-d can expect us to love Him on command.

The second paragraph of the Shema (v’hayah) restates and expands on elements of the first paragraph, but in markedly different form. Also, the Torah informs us of the ‘reward and punishment’ for mitzvah observance, warning us not to abandon them.

The third section of the Shema contains the mitzvah of tzitzit, which serves as a reminder for our commitment to all of G-d’s mitzvahs, and not fall astray to our eyes and hearts temptations. It concludes with the remembrance of the exodus from Egypt.

“And you shall love G-d your L-rd with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might”. This class explains these three loves and how to attain them, in both our relationship with G-d and with our life’s partner.

“Hear O’ Israel…G-d is One” is arguably the most essential statements of the Jewish faith. Discover layers of meaning to this central verse we recite daily.

The Shema prayer has always been a central prayer for Jews in times of difficulty and times of wonder, connecting us to G-d as well as other Jews. Find out about the history, evolution and meaning of this prayer and why it is such a powerful prayer for us.

How fortunate we are that G-d, in his abounding kindness, wove the institution of nightly sleep into the fabric of our daily lives!

G‑d is the one truth that pervades all existence and we, in turn, must create that oneness within our hearts.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 20 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 21 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.