Shema

From Conservapedia
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Wikinterpreter (talk | contribs) at 21:46, May 11, 2007. It may differ significantly from current revision.
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Shema, otherwise known as 'Sh'ma Yisrael' (Hebrew: שמע ישראל; "Hear, [O] Israel") are the opening two words of a passage in the Torah, which is used as a focal point for Jewish prayer services, and encapsulates the monotheistic message of Judaism. It is often considered to be the most important prayer in Judaism, and twice-daily recitation of it is a mitzvah.

It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5:

'Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength'

It is also a very important concept in Christianity. When asked what the most important commandment in Christianity was, Jesus replied that this was the greatest commandment, and that, together with the Golden Rule, they formed the summation of Christian teaching.