The Jewish prayer beginning “Hear, O Israel” is called the Shema.
The Shema takes its name from its opening Hebrew word, shema, meaning “hear” or “listen.” Its central declaration comes from Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” This statement expresses Judaism’s core affirmation of God’s unity.
The Shema is recited in Jewish liturgy, traditionally in the morning and evening. It is also included in the bedtime Shema and is associated with major moments of Jewish life. The first verse is often recited as an expression of faith, including at times of grave danger or near death.
The Shema is sometimes confused with the Amidah, the central standing prayer, or the Kaddish, a prayer of praise often associated with mourning. The Shema is not a single short sentence only: the broader liturgical reading traditionally includes passages from Deuteronomy and Numbers.