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The Complete Shema

The Shema is actually more than just the famous six words Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad, but is composed of three parts linked together into a unity:

The First Part:
 

1. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4):  This is the core Hebrew affirmation and admonition. Special emphasis is given to the each of the six Hebrew words of this passage (i.e., Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad) and a six-word response is often said in an undertone (barukh shem kevod malkhuto le'olam va'ed). After a pause, the Ve'ahavta (i.e., Deut. 6:5-9) is recited, which stresses the commandment to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and might. Note that Yeshua combined the core admonition (i.e., Deut. 6:4) with the first verse of the Ve'ahavta (i.e., Deut 6:5) as the "first great commandment" (see Mark 12:28-30).
   
   
   Enlarged Letters?
   
   In a sefer Torah, or a handwritten Torah scroll, the two letters Ayin (ע) and Dalet (ד) are enlarged in the first sentence of the Shema. Together, these letters form the word 'ed (עֵד), which means "witness," suggesting that the Shema is a testimony of the sovereignty of God and our primary duty to love Him with our whole being.
   
   
   The opening words of the Shema (click):
   
   
     
• Deut. 6:4 Hebrew page (pdf)
• Meaning of the Shema... (mp3)
   

This statement marks the declaration that LORD our God is "one." Interestingly, the word echad in Hebrew can imply a unity in plurality (the word for "one and only one," i.e., unique, is more often rendered as yachid). For example, Moses used the word echad in Genesis 2:24 when he wrote, "And they (husband and wife) will become one flesh" (i.e., basar echad). Moreover, in Exodus 26:6 the various parts of the Mishkan (i.e., "Tabernacle") were to be constructed so that "it shall be one (echad) sanctuary," and Ezekiel spoke of two "sticks" (representing fragmented Israel) to be reunited into one: "and they shall be one (echad) stick in My hand" (Ezek. 37:19).

Click here to hear the complete first part.


 

The Second Part:
 

2. Vehayah (Deuteronomy 11:13-21): This moving passage stresses the blessings that come through obedience to Adonai and the consequences that come through disobedience.
   
   Click here to hear the second part.
   
   Mezuzot Scrolls
   
   The first two parts of the Shema are written in STA"M script on a small scroll which is then rolled up and put inside a mezuzah:
   
   
   
   
   
   

The Third Part:
 

3. Vaiyomer (Numbers 15:37-41): This passage concerns the use of the tallit, a rectangular prayer shawl with four fringes (called tzitzit). One tzitzit is attached to each corner of the tallit. The reason for wearing the tzitzit is to remind oneself to observe all of the commandments of the Lord.
   
   
   
   
   
   Click here to hear the third part.
   
   
   

The Shema in Liturgy

Liturgically, the Shema refers to a section of the service that includes the following components:

1. The Barechu - The Call to Worship
2. Yotzer Ohr - The Creator of Light blessing
3. Ahavah Rabbah -  The Great Love blessing
4. The Shema - Core words of Deut. 6:4 (followed by blessing in undertone)
5. The Ve'ahavta - Deut. 6:5-9
6. The Ge'ulah Blessing - Thanking God for Redemption

Related Topics:
 

• Shema Reading Practice (for beginners)
• Keriat Shema (first part)
• Shema Study Page (PDF)
• Shema Reader Page (PDF)
• The Bedtime Shema (שְׁמַע עַל הַמִּטָּה)
• The Complete Shema Recited in Hebrew
• Using the Tallit
• The Shema Prophecies

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