Shema

[ shuh-mah, shmah ]

/ ʃəˈmɑ, ʃmɑ /

noun Judaism.

a liturgical prayer, prominent in Jewish history and tradition, that is recited daily at the morning and evening services and expresses the Jewish people's ardent faith in and love of God.

Origin of Shema

From the Hebrew word shəmaʿ listen!

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for shema

He would often kiss the earth of Israel; at night, he would say the shema prayer for hours.
Rav Froman's Funeral|Elisheva Goldberg|March 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In this palace a seal was found bearing a lion and the inscription belonging to Shema, the servant of Jeroboam.
Archology and the Bible|George A. Barton
To the commandments of the tongue belong the reading of the Shema, grace after meals, the priestly benediction, and so on.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
All turned to look at the speaker, and they whispered among themselves in surprise at hearing a monk recite the shema in a schul.
Rabbi and Priest|Milton Goldsmith

The other practical observances like prayer, the reading of "Shema," and so on.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
The Inquisition was obliged to forbid the uttering of the word "Shema" with a threat of heavy punishment.
History of the Jews, Vol. V (of 6)|Heinrich Graetz

British Dictionary definitions for shema

Shema

/ (ʃəˈmɑː) /

noun

the central statement of Jewish belief, the sentence "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is your God; the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4)

the section of the liturgy consisting of this and related biblical passages, Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21 and Numbers 15:37–41, recited in the morning and evening prayers and on retiring at night

Word Origin for Shema

Hebrew, literally: hear

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012