Shema

Definitions

• prayer recited in most services as well as at bedtime, and when death is imminent; one of the most important and well-known prayers in Judaism

Example Sentences

• The Shema can be found on page 94 of your machzors.

Languages of Origin

Textual Hebrew

Etymology

• שמע ישראל 'Hear O Israel'

Who Uses This

• Religious: Jews who are engaged in religious observance and have some Jewish education

Regions

• Australia / New Zealand
• South Africa
• Great Britain
• North America

Dictionaries

• The New Joys of Yiddish, by Leo Rosten and Lawrence Bush (New York, 2003[1968]).
• The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).
• The Joys of Hebrew, by Lewis Glinert (New York, 1992).

Alternative Spellings

Sh'ma, Shma

Notes

• See also k'riat sh'ma קריאת שמע (Ashkenazi Hebrew/Yiddish: krishme) 'reading/recitation of the Shema'