Shema

The Shema (Hebrew: שְׁמַע, literally "hear" or "listen") is a Jewish prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. The term "Shema" refers to the first word of the verse Shema Yisrael ("Hear, O Israel"), which begins the prayer. The Shema is considered one of the most important prayers in Judaism, encapsulating the monotheistic essence of the faith. It is recited twice daily, traditionally in the evening and morning, and is also a significant part of the deathbed ritual. The prayer is composed of three portions from the Torah: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41. In Hebrew, the full text of the Shema is as follows: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ ה' אֶחָד. בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ ה' אֶחָד. The Shema is also known as the Shema Yisrael in Hebrew. Translations of "Shema" in other relevant languages include "Shema Israel" in French, "Shema Yisrael" in Spanish, and "Shema Yisroel" in Yiddish.