The Shema - שמע

The Shema is an affirmation and a declaration of faith in one God. The obligation to recite the Shema is separate from the obligation to pray Shema in the morning and at night (Deut. 6:7).

Shema Yisrael (or Sh'ma Yisroel or just Shema) (Hebrew: שמע ישראל‎; "Hear, [O] Israel") are the first two words of a section of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) that is a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. The first verse encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One." The Shema is considered the most important prayer in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation is a mitzvah (religious commandment).

The term "Shema" is used by extension to refer to the whole part of the daily prayers that commences with Shema Yisrael and comprises Deuteronomy 6:49, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:3741. These are in the weekly Torah portions: Eikev, VaEtchannan, and Shlach respectively.

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• Shema
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[rwhizzle]

Could you then explain the meaning of the word "yachid" and why it isn't used at the end of the Shema instead of "echad"?

[DanaOnMars]

@rwhizzle the word "echad" in Hebrew means "one". in your 2 last examples the literal and actual meaning of echad are the same: the man and woman became one and the crowd answered in one voice (like a choire).but in the saying "Adonai ehad" u literally say "Adonai is one" and actually mean "Adonai is our only god"- this is an exception and in everyday hebrew the literal and actual meaning of echad is "one" as in: kise echad(one chair),rak echad(just one) etc...:) hope this helped

[rwhizzle]

In Hebrew, the word "echad" is used at the end ("Shema Y'Israel, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad). Isn't this the same word used in Genesis 2:24 when it describes a man and a woman becoming one (echad) flesh? It's used again in Exodus 24:3 when all the people answered Moses with one (echad) voice. It takes two people (a man and a woman) to form a marriage and become one (echad) flesh. More than one person was present when Moses spoke, yet the same word is used (echad). Could anyone explain this?

[edintamayo]

True True

[coprhead6]

You're not supposed to say or write Hashem's name... Serious party foul

[Doxa2Yah]

• Jewish tradition teaches that there are 613 Mitzvot commandments yebets.multiply. com/ journal/item/108 Shalom.... <3

[dalevit]

@nebek7850 , Shalom. Your words give a chill. Very, very kind of you to give us, we who didn't seek it -- as you did. Is there more? It would be an honor to read more of your well-placed words. Oh no, you placed this a year ago. Well, here's hoping... DALevit

[Yuratchka]

Well, you are correct in believing that God is one instead or three like the Trinitarian group. However, Muhammad was a false prophet and the qur'an is not God's book.

[davidov510]

Shalom! A very nice video and calming too. But please could you tell me what the name of the song is called please and who performs it?

Take Care, shalom

[islam4jesus]

Nice video, the Shema was declared by all of God's Prophets:

Jesus Said 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.'..."God is one and there is no other but him" (Mark 12:29, 32)

"Say (O Muhammad) I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is One God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate non as a partner in the worship of his Lord". Quran 18:110

"Your God is One God. There is no god but Him." Quran, 2:163