What Is the Shema?

—encapsulate the core Jewish belief in monotheism and have been on the lips of Jews for over three thousand years.

The Text of the Shema

The Shema consists of three biblical passages, with the opening verse being the most well-known:

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד

Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad

Translation: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

The Three Paragraphs

First Paragraph (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Commands teaching these words to children and binding them as signs on the hand and head (tefillin) and on doorposts (mezuzah).

Second Paragraph (Deuteronomy 11:13-21)

Discusses the consequences of observing or neglecting God's commandments. Repeats the commands about teaching, tefillin, and mezuzah.

Third Paragraph (Numbers 15:37-41)

Commands wearing tzitzit (fringes) on garments as a reminder of all the commandments. Concludes with reference to the Exodus from Egypt.

When Is the Shema Recited?

Morning and Evening

understood as twice daily—in the morning Shacharit and evening Maariv services.

Before Sleep

Many recite the Shema as part of the bedtime prayers, commending their soul to God's protection.

At Life's End

Traditionally, a dying person's last words should be the Shema. Throughout history, Jewish martyrs have died with the Shema on their lips.

(one), is the theological heart of Judaism:

Absolute Monotheism

There is only one God—not multiple gods, not a divine council, not competing forces.

Unity of God

God is not divided or composite. Divine oneness is complete and indivisible.

Cosmic Implication

Ultimately, all existence derives from and points to this singular Divine source.

Recitation Practices

Covering the Eyes

It is customary to cover the eyes with the right hand while reciting the first verse, promoting concentration.

is elongated while contemplating God's sovereignty over the entire universe.

Quiet Response

olam va

(Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom forever) is recited quietly (except on Yom Kippur, when it's said aloud).

The Shema in Jewish Life

The Shema is inscribed in mezuzot on Jewish doorposts. It is written in tefillin worn during prayer. It is the first prayer taught to Jewish children. It represents the essence of Jewish faith—radical monotheism and absolute devotion to the One God.