The Shema is one of the most meaningful and powerful prayers in Judaism. It’s often described as a declaration of faith — a moment to pause, connect, and remind ourselves of the Oneness of the L-rd. It’s recited twice a day, morning and evening, and for many, it’s also the final prayer said before sleep or even at the moment of passing.
When you say the Shema, take a quiet breath, cover your eyes with your right hand, and let the words sink in. This isn’t just a recitation — it’s an intimate moment between you and G-d, affirming faith, devotion, and love.
The Structure of the Shema
The Shema begins with one of the most well-known verses in all of Jewish prayer. It comes from Deuteronomy 6:4 and has been recited by our ancestors for thousands of years.
Hebrew:
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד
Transliteration:
She-ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad
English:
Hear, O Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One.
Traditionally, this line is followed by a verse said in an undertone — a soft whisper of reverence and awe:
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד
Transliteration:
Baruch shem kevod malchuto le’olam va’ed
English:
Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.
The Three Biblical Passages
The Shema continues with three sections from the Torah, each deepening our understanding of faith and devotion.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Hebrew:
וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ … וּכְתַבְתָּ֛ם עַל־מְזוּזֹ֥ת בֵּיתֶ֖ךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ
Transliteration:
V’ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b’chol levavcha u’v’chol nafshecha u’v’chol me’odecha…
U’k’tavtam al mezuzot beitecha u’vish’arecha
English:
You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Take to heart these words that I command you this day. Teach them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol between your eyes. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 11:13-21
Hebrew:
וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ … כִּימֵ֥י הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
English:
If you truly listen to the commandments I give you today — to love the L-rd your G-d and to serve Him with all your heart and soul — then I will grant the rain for your land in its season, the early and the late rains, that you may gather in your grain, your wine, and your oil.
But take care not to be led astray to serve other gods, for then the skies will close, the rains will cease, and the land will no longer yield its produce. Therefore, keep these words close to your heart, bind them on your hand and between your eyes, teach them to your children, and write them on your doorposts and gates — so that your days and your children’s days may be many upon the land that the L-rd promised your ancestors.
Numbers 15:37-41
Hebrew:
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃ … אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
English:
The L-rd said to Moses: Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make fringes (tzitzit) on the corners of their garments, and to attach a cord of blue to the fringe. When you see them, you will remember all My commandments and do them — and not follow your heart and your eyes, which lead you astray. In this way, you will remember and keep all My commandments and be holy to your G-d. I am the L-rd your G-d, who brought you out of Egypt to be your G-d: I, the L-rd your G-d.
Reflecting on the Meaning
When you recite the Shema, remember — this isn’t just ancient text. It’s a living reminder to love G-d with all that you are, to teach that love to your children, and to carry faith into every part of daily life.
The second passage reminds us that our choices have meaning — that blessings flow when we walk in alignment with divine purpose. The final passage about tzitzit calls us to mindfulness, to visibly remember G-d’s presence and live in holiness.
Whether you’re beginning your journey or deepening a lifelong connection, let the Shema be a moment to pause, breathe, and listen — to yourself, to tradition, and to the still voice of faith within.
Learn more about the full Shema and its meaning:
The Chai Life 
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