The Shema

READING ACTS: Core Beliefs of Second Temple Judaism: Shema.

The Shema was fundamental to daily practice of Jewish. The word refers to Deut. 6:4-5 (which begins “Hear O Israel,” shema is Hebrew for “Hear.”) The passage directs Jews to keep the commandments upon their heart and to teach them to their children. These commands are the Ten Commandments which immediately precede this command, but essentially the whole law is to be kept in mind and taught to the next generation.

Past posts in Phil Long's series on the Second Temple Period are noted here and links.