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The Shema Research Paper

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The Shema
The Shema is a Jewish prayer that serves as a daily declaration of faith. Jews recite the Shema twice each day, in the morning and in the evening, as well as on holidays and during Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. The Shema consists of three excerpts from the Torah, and Jews follow certain rules when reciting it. It begins with a six-word phrase—Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad—which translates as “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is One.” The phrase “Shema Yisrael” is one of the most well-known Jewish sayings in the world.
An Overview of the Shema
Faithful Jews have been reciting the Shema since ancient times. The Shema consists of three biblical excerpts: Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Deuteronomy 11:13–21, and Numbers …show more content…

Children who are capable of saying the Shema generally are expected to learn not only to recite it accurately but also to recite it at the appropriate time of day.
Customs
Jews may sit or stand when reciting the Shema, depending on the congregation to which they belong. Before commencing their recital of the Shema, Jews should take time to think about its meaning. Jewish law requires more focused concentration on the first verse of the Shema than on other verses of the prayer. As a result, it is common for people to close their eyes or cover them with their right hand to block out distractions as they speak this verse. They usually speak the first verse aloud; again, this is to sharpen concentration and focus on the meaning of the declaration of faith. The other verses may be spoken in quieter tones. When people recite the Shema, they should take care to avoid speaking too quickly and slurring words together; each word should be articulated clearly and deliberately. Many recite the Shema in Hebrew, but those who cannot speak Hebrew may recite the Shema in their native

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