Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » Shema

Shema

(s̸hə mä′)

noun

a declaration of the basic principle of Jewish belief, proclaiming the absolute unity of God

Origin: < Heb shma < shma yisroel, Hear, O Israel (the opening words): see Deut. 6:4-9

See Shema in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A liturgical prayer consisting of three Scriptural passages (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41) recited twice daily by adult Jewish males to affirm their faith.

Origin:

Origin: Hebrew šəma‘, hear (the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4)

Origin: , imperative of šāma‘, to hear; see šmע in Semitic roots

link/cite print suggestion box

Shema

More from YD