Sacred text · Jewish practice
Shema
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ, אֲדֹנָי אֶחָד
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Eḥad
The central declaration of Jewish faith, recited morning and evening. This is its opening verse. The full liturgical Shema comprises Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Deuteronomy 11:13–21 and Numbers 15:37–41.
Source: Deuteronomy 6:4
Traditionally said twice, rather than counted on beads.
Not counted on beads
How many times
Traditionally said twice.
Japa counts this one without a mala: a plain daily number rather than a ring of beads, with the words kept in view while you say them. Counting is unlimited and free.
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What the words say
Shema Yisrael — hear, Israel. Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai eḥad: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. The final word eḥad carries the weight, and is drawn out in recitation. Adonai is said and written here in place of the four-letter Divine Name, which is not pronounced; the practice is not a euphemism but a standing rule of reverence.
Where it comes from
Deuteronomy 6:4. Its liturgical use is ancient — the Mishnah already discusses the times for reciting it. The passages that follow in the liturgy are Deuteronomy 6:5–9, 11:13–21 and Numbers 15:37–41.
How it is practised
Said at the morning and evening services, traditionally with the eyes covered for the first verse. The daily goal of two represents those two separate occasions, not two consecutive repetitions.
References
- Deuteronomy 6:4
- Mishnah Berakhot 1:1–2, on the times of recitation
Keep it, and count it every day.
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