Hear O Israel: The Shema

Question

Dear Gateways Rabbi,

What is so important about the prayer of saying the “Shema Yisrael”?

Thanks

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Technically, it is not a prayer because there is no praise, supplication or thanks. The Sages included it in our daily liturgy because the principles found in Shma are so important.

    The very first sentence is an ultimate declaration of belief in Monotheism and God’s special relationship with the Jewish people. Throughout history, and today, Jews recite this sentence with their final breath because it encapsulates Jewish faith so completely in this one short phrase. This verse is recited aloud while covering the eyes with the right hand, in a state of total concentration: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord, is One.”

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team