Jews are obligated to say the Shema twice a day, at morning and again at night. This is because of the "mitzvot", or commandment, to hide God's words in their hearts, and talk about them when they rise up and when they lie down. However, many Jews say the Shema three times a day: in the morning, in the evening, and once more with their required evening prayers before they go to sleep. There are several reasons for this practice. For one, the end of the day is a good time for reflection, to see where one has sinned and might neeed to confess. For another, the Torah explains that it is proper to go to sleep with words of the Torah on their lips.

This first line is said aloud, with more emphasis that the rest of the prayer. It is meant to be clearly heard, as it is a testimony to God. Traditionally, it was said while standing, because testimony in a Jewish court was always given while standing, and they considered this to be a testimony to the one God. In the ninth century, Jewish leaders stopped standing to recite the Shema. Today, some Reform and Conservative congregations still stand while speaking this prayer. Orthodox congregations sit, however, because all the passages of this prayer are from the Torah, so it is as if they are sitting and studying the Scriptures when they read it.

Jewish law requires a greater measure of concentration on the first verse of the Shema, so Jews often either close their eyes or cover their eyes with the palm of their right hand while reciting it. The purpose is to eliminate distractions, in order to fully concentrate on the words and worshiping God. Yet there is a deeper, spiritual meaning as well. When closing or covering their eyes while saying this first verse, they are putting all their focus on God, which makes them realize there is is much more than just this physical world they can see. They understand there is a far greater reality, inspiring them to live with greater Godliness.

The final word of this verse, "echad", is to be spoken slowly and with more emphasis. It is often written in the "siddur" (Jewish prayer book) with the first and last letters larger than the rest. This is because the first and last letters spell the Jewish word "ed", or witness, and it reminds them of their duty to serve as God's witnesses, demonstrating their obedience to His Sovereignty by leading exemplary lives.

Many Jewish men wear a "tallit", or prayer shawl, while saying the Shema. This is because the Torah contains a "mitzvot", or commandment, about wearing "tzitzit", or fringes, around the edges of their garment. Thus, they wear this prayer shawl with fringes on the corners, in obedience to this "mitzvot". Customs vary amongst the various Jewish sects as to who wears a "tallit", and when. Some men begin wearing the "tallit" when they turn 13 and become a "barmitzvah", which is a full fledged member of the Jewish community, with all the privileges and responsibilities thereof. Others begin wearing it when they get married. Regardless of who wears it when, it is customary to hold the four fringes in the left hand while reciting the Shema Yisrael, and at the end, to kiss the fringes as a sign of affection for the commandments.

The second line of the Shema originated from the ancient temple service. When the priest recited the first line, the congregation would reply: "Blessed is the name of His Glorious Majesty forever and ever." This statement of love for God became incorporated as the second line of the Shema. However, to emphasize that this line is not a part of the Scripture, it is spoken very quietly, except on "Yom Kippur" (Day of Atonement), when it is spoken out loud.

The first paragraph deals with the acceptance of God's Sovereignty and His Divine rule. It affirms the belief in God's unity and in His sovereignty over the world. It also expresses a deep love of God, and a commitment to study His teachings. It indicates a willingness to uphold the duties to love God, to teach Torah to one's children, and to talk of Torah at every possible time. It also explains their duty to put on "tefillin", also called phylacteries, which are small leather boxes worn around the upper arm and forehead, which contain the Shema and other verses from the Torah. and, and to place a "mezuzah", on the doorpost of one's home. A mezuzah is a piece of parchment contained in a decorative case and inscribed with the Shema Yisrael. It is hung on the doorpost to remind them of their obligations to God every time they come in or go out. Mezuzahs are reminders of God's presence and of His commandments. And, according to Jewish beliefs, they offer protection, rather like the blood on the doorposts during Passover. (See Exodus 12:7-14)

The second passage of the Shema (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) declares the Jews' acceptance of the commandments and their committment to carry out the commandments as evidence of their love for God. These verses speak of the Jewish belief of reward and punishment based on the fulfillment of God's commandments, or lack thereof. The third paragraph (Numbers 15:37-41) deals with the commandment of wearing "tzitzit", or fringes, which serve as reminders of God's commandments. It specifically mentions the exodus from Egypt, which Jews are obligated to refer to each day. Please note that In Reform prayer books, the second and third paragraphs of the Shema often are not included because the doctrine of retribution is different in the Reform movement, and Reform Jews do not accept the commandment regarding fringes. However, they do include the end of this third section, Numbers 15:40-41.

You are probably thinking, "Yes, this is interesting, but what does all this have to do with us, as Christians today?" We are not bound by Jewish laws, and we know that our salvation is through Jesus Christ, a gift of God's grace, not of our works. Yet Christianity has it's roots in Judaism, and it is important for us to understand our roots. Our Lord and Savior was a Jew, and practiced the Jewish traditions faithfully, so it behooves us to understand those traditions and the reasons for them, even though we are not required to follow them. The principles taught in the Shema Yisrael are the basis of our Christian faith: There is but one God, and we should love him with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Jesus taught us: