shema

noun

Pronunciation: /ʃəˈmɑː/

Definition

The fundamental prayer in Judaism that serves as a declaration of the oneness of God, taken from the book of Deuteronomy.

Examples

• The rabbi led the children in reciting the Shema at the start of the morning service.

• Many observant Jews recite the Shema twice daily as a core religious practice.

• The ancient text of the Shema is often inscribed on a mezuzah placed on the doorpost of a home.

Synonyms of shema

Words with a similar meaning to shema:

• prayer
• creed
• liturgy
• declaration

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary