The Shema

Question 1

3 fundamentals about the Shema prayer

Answer 1

• a prayer that Jews recite every morning and evening
• a declaration of God’s monotheism
• a prayer that was developed as a way of summarising Jewish law

Question 2

Part 1 of the Shema prayer (4 points)

Answer 2

• declaration of one God
• the need to be taught to children
• reminded of wearing tefillin and tall it, and affixing mezuzah to doorpost
• the need for the commandments and God to be the central focus of life

Question 3

Part 2 of the Shema prayer (3 points)

Answer 3

• reminds Jews that humans’ actions make a difference to the world
• “serve him with all your heart and I will send rain on your land.” (Deut 11)
• declares Jews’ acceptance of commandments and their loyalty by carrying them out

Question 4

Part 3 of the Shema prayer

Answer 4

• commandments should be discussed and taught regularly

Question 5

what does “Shema Israel” mean

Answer 5

give the word of God your most focused attention and engage all faculties