What is the Shema law?
Shema, (Hebrew: “Hear”), the Jewish confession of faith made up of three scriptural texts (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21; Numbers 15:37–41), which, together with appropriate prayers, forms an integral part of the evening and morning services. Pious Jews hope to die with the words of the Shema on their lips.
Is the Shema a commandment?
Observant Jews consider the Shema to be the most important part of the prayer service in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation as a mitzvah (religious commandment).
Can Christians recite the Shema?
The Shema is recited at synagogues around the world, and twice daily by Orthodox Jews, as well as by some Christians. Its meaning is deep and holds the answers to life’s toughest questions. When sung in Hebrew, its cadence is soothing and poetic.
When should Shema be recited?
Many Jews say the Shema three times a day: in the morning, in the evening and before they go to sleep.
Do you have to recite the evening Shema?
Though it’s not part of the mitzvah of reciting the Shema, if one did not yet recite the evening Shema, one can fulfill the mitzvah when reading the bedtime Shema, if that is his intention. 25 Click here for Part II of this article. 1.
How is the commandment to say the Shema fulfilled?
The commandment of saying Shema is fulfilled by reciting it in the shacharit and maariv services. The Shema should be said more audibly that the Amidah. Since the Shema reaffirms the basic tenets of Jewish faith, it is important to hear clearly what one is saying.
Can a person recite the Shema within a time slot?
If one is praying these prayers within the proper time slot for reciting the Shema (see below), he will automatically fulfill the mitzvah of reciting the Shema when he recites it within the prayers.
Do You Close Your Eyes when you say the Shema?
Jewish law requires a greater measure of concentration on the first verse of the Shema than on the rest of the prayer. People commonly close their eyes or cover them with the palm of their hand while reciting it to eliminate every distraction and help them concentrate on the meaning of the words.