קריאת שמע
Kriyat Shema
The shema prayer in Hebrew is קריאת שמע (Kriyat Shema).
The phrase קריאת שמע is used to refer to the specific liturgical act of reciting the Shema prayer, which is a central Jewish prayer declaring the oneness of God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'the reading of Shema'. The first word, קריאת (Kriyat), is the construct form of the noun קריאה (Kri'ah), meaning 'reading' or 'proclamation'.
How do you pronounce it?
Kriyat Shema
Did you know?
- When reciting the שמע, many people instinctively cover their eyes with their right hand to eliminate distractions and focus entirely on the declaration.
- Because the prayer emphasizes the oneness of God, it is often used as a final-moment prayer. It is a common custom for people to recite it on their deathbeds to ensure their final words are a declaration of faith.
- The word שמע is an imperative verb, meaning it is not just a statement but a direct command to 'hear' or 'listen'.
Examples in context
- שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָדHear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
- הוא סיים את קריאת שמע.Hu siyam et Kriat Shema.He finished the shema prayer.
- צריך לומר קריאת שמע בכוונה.Tzarich lomor Kriat Shema b'kavana.One must say the shema prayer with intention.
- היא לומדת את קריאת שמע.Hi lomedet et Kriat Shema.She is learning the shema prayer.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their morning routine.
- עידו Idoנועה, את כבר אמרת קריאת שמע היום?Noa, at kvar amart kriya'at shema hayom?Noa, have you already said the Shema prayer today?
- נועה Noaלא, עידו, עדיין לא הספקתי.Lo, Ido, adayin lo hispakti.No, Ido, I haven't had time yet.
- עידו Idoבואי נגיד את קריאת שמע ביחד עכשיו.Bo'i nagid et kriya'at shema beyahad achshav.Let's say the Shema prayer together now.
- נועה Noaזה רעיון מצוין, בוא נתחיל.Zeh ra'ayon metzuyan, bo nat'hil.That's a great idea, let's start.
