Part of the Matheson Trust Sacred Audio Collection

Shema Yisrael (or Sh’ma Yisrael or just Shema) (Hebrew: “Hear, [O] Israel”) are the first two words of a section of the Torah that is essential to the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. The first verse encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one,” as found in Deuteronomy 6:4. 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). It is traditional for Jews to say the Shema as their last words, and for parents to teach their children to say it before they go to sleep at night. It is an old Jewish custom to cover the eyes with the right hand whilst reciting the first verse.

Shema Yisrael (Deut. 6:4-9. Sefardi reading by Abraham Shmuelof)

Shema Yisrael (Ashkenazi reading by Malcolm Gedalla)

Recording by The Matheson Trust.

Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonoi Eloheinu, Adonoi Echod.
Baruch sheim k’vod malchuso l’olam va-ed.
V’ahavto eis Adonoi Elohe-cha b’chol l’vav’cho u- v’chawl nafsh’cho, u-v’chol m’ode-cho.
V’hayu ha-d’varim ha-eileh, asher anochi m’tsav’cho ha-yom, al l’vavecho.
V’shinantam l’-vane-cho, v’dibarto bom:
b’shivt’cha b’veite-cha, uv’lech-t’cho va-derech, u-v’shoch-b’cho uv’kumecho.
Uk’shartom l’os al yade-cho, v’ha-yu l’totafos bein eine-cho.
Uch’savtom, al m’zu-zos beise-cho, u-vishare-cho