shema

Thân thiện

A young boy recites the Shema prayer before bedtime.

Definition

Noun: 1. A central Jewish prayer declaring faith in one God: The Shema is a core liturgical prayer and a declaration of the fundamental principle of Jewish belief in the oneness of God. It is recited during daily morning and evening prayers. 2. The essence of Jewish religious belief: The term "Shema" often refers not just to the prayer itself but to the central creed of Judaism it expresses.

Usage

The word "Shema" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to this foundational Jewish prayer. * Reciting the Shema is one of the first commandments a Jewish child learns. * The Shema begins with the verse, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One."

Advanced Usage

• "To say/recite the Shema": This is the standard phrase for performing this prayer.
  • Observant Jews recite the Shema every morning and evening.
• The Shema is derived from three biblical passages (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21; Numbers 15:37–41).

Variants and Related Words

• Shema Yisrael: (Hebrew: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל) This is the opening phrase and a common name for the prayer, meaning "Hear, O Israel."

Synonyms

• Declaration of faith: A statement affirming one's religious beliefs.
• Creed: A formal statement of religious beliefs.
• Liturgical prayer: A prayer that is part of formal public worship.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "Hear, O Israel": This is the direct English translation of the opening words of the Shema and is sometimes used to refer to the prayer itself or its central message.
  • The core of his speech echoed the ancient call, "Hear, O Israel."

Học thuật

Noun

1. a liturgical prayer (considered to be the essence of Jewish religion) that is recited at least twice daily by adult Jewish males to declare their faith
   • as soon as Leonard learned to talk he was taught to recite the first words of the Shema, the creed of Judaism which originated on Sinai with Moses and is recited daily

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