Shema - The Heartbeat of Jewish Belief
Read this prayer below, or listen to this youtube audio. Courtesy of: Beit Hallel Congregation in Roswell, GA.
The Shema is the oldest and most central of Jewish prayers, with the first line taken directly from Deuteronomy 6:4. Part of the liturgy since the time of the Temple, it is recited twice daily—“when you lie down and when you rise.” Its opening line is often the first taught to a Jewish child and the last uttered by Jews who died for their faith. It is the ultimate declaration of belief in the One and True God.
The Shema contains no requests, praise, or pleas. It is a direct reading from the Torah—a biblical proclamation rather than a conventional prayer. In conventional prayer, we speak to God; in the Shema, God speaks to us through His Word. The Hebrew term 'shema' means 'listen,' and reciting it is an act of faithful listening—to the voice that created the universe, formed us in love, and guides our lives.
The second line—"Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever"—was traditionally the congregation's response when the High Priest pronounced God’s sacred Name in the Temple.
Following this declaration, the Shema prayer typically continues with what is known as “the acceptance of the yoke of the kingdom of Heaven” (Deuteronomy: 6:5-9). In this passage, we pledge allegiance to the one true God, Sovereign of the universe, to whom all earthly powers must answer. We do so not out of fear, but in love—with all our heart, soul, and might.
This second paragraph represents “the acceptance of the commandments.” (Deuteronomy: 11:13-21) While the first speaks to us as individuals, this one addresses us as a people, bound by the covenant and its commandments.
The third paragraph discusses the mitzvah of tzitzit (commandment of wearing fringes/tassels)—a constant reminder of God’s commandments. (Numbers 15:37-41). The Shema concludes with a call to remember the Exodus from Egypt, “all the days of your life,” tying our identity to the story of redemption.
Below is the first paragraph of the Shema:
Transliteration of Shema:
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad
Baruch shem k'vod malchuto le’olam va’ed
Shema Prayer in Hebrew:
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ יְהֹוָה אֶחָד
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד
Translation of Shema:
Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.
Download & Print The Shema Prayer
Click here to download the PDF of the Shema Prayer prayer: Shema Prayer Printout
You can print the prayer and put it up on your wall to remind yourself to learn and say it!
