shma

Shma is a Hebrew term meaning "hear" or "listen," and in Jewish usage it refers especially to the Shema Yisrael, the central declaration of the Jewish faith. The phrase begins with the biblical imperative Sh'ma Yisrael: Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad, often translated as "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One." The term Shma is the first word of this opening line.

The Shema Yisrael prayer consists of three biblical passages: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Deuteronomy 11:13–21; and Numbers 15:37–41. The first two passages emphasize the oneness of God and command the love of God, instructing distinct ways to teach these words to children and to keep them close, symbolically binding them on the hand and between the eyes. The third passage contains the mitzvah of tzitzit, the ritual fringes on garments.

In practice, Jews recite the Shema during morning and evening services, often within a sequence of blessings. In traditional communities, the observance may include wearing tefillin and tzitzit during the morning recital. The Shema is regarded as a concise confession of monotheism and a fundamental affirmation of love and obedience to God, central to Jewish identity and daily worship.

See also: Shema Yisrael; Kriat Shema.