shema

Everyday

1. (Jewish faith) The most important Jewish prayer, which begins «Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.» tree →
2. It comes from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible and is said every morning and evening by many Jews. tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons the Shema shows the Jewish belief in one God and in loving God with all your heart, soul and strength. Its words are written inside the mezuzah on doorposts and in tefillin. Jesus quoted it as the greatest commandment. Phrases: «say the Shema», «recite the Shema».

Examples

• Many Jewish children learn the Shema when they are very young. tree →
• The Shema begins «Hear, O Israel». tree →
• The words of the Shema are kept in a mezuzah on the door. tree →
• Jews say the Shema in the morning and at night. tree →
• Jesus quoted the Shema when asked about the greatest commandment. tree →
• The rabbi explained what the Shema teaches about one God. tree →

Note

Hebrew word meaning «Hear!». Usually with «the» and a capital S. Pronounced «shmah» or «sheh-MAH».

In Jewish tradition

Here it is just a man's name in family lists, not the prayer. The word means "hear" in Hebrew.

Interpretation. The same Hebrew word begins the great prayer "Hear, O Israel," which Jews recite twice daily to declare that God is one.

Examples

• And the sons of Hebron: Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema. (Writings 1CH.2.43, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Shema begot Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem begot Shammai. (Writings 1CH.2.44, JPS 1917) tree →
• and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-meon; (Writings 1CH.5.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Hebrew word meaning «Hear!». Usually with «the» and a capital S. Pronounced «shmah» or «sheh-MAH».