Shema Israel

In terms of content, the verse is a call to Israel to recognize the divinity of the Lord and accept the burden of his reign, when he was the God of Israel, and as a single (perception monotheism). Sources said that Moses in his address to the people of Israel before his death. The Talmud points out that the verse is said even before that by the sons of Jacob, Jacob before he died:

Simon said Lakish: "And Jacob called his sons and said pooled and tell you - ask Jacob to find the right end to his sons and disappeared from calling. Said: "God forbid that there is nothing wrong in my bed, like Abraham and Ishmael came from Isaac pain Esau out of it? ' His sons told him: 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Just as there is only one heart, but that no one in our hearts. " At the same time opened Jacob and said: 'Welcome the glory of His kingdom forever and ever.

- Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Page Nu CA

Appears in the Torah verse "Hear O Israel" with the letters ayin of "Audio" and daled of "one" increased (in capital letters). Following that is printed at the same arrangements. According to the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Berachot, page XIII EA) is important to extend and precise pronunciation of the word "one", especially with d, in order not to imply that the God of Israel is God then (following the replacement of the letter Dalet r ). The verse is perceived, ever since the Talmud, especially Shema, and therefore tend to extend it in particular and more direct than the other portions.

The verse "Hear O Israel" signifies sometimes the most basic knowledge that every Jew should know. Thus, for example, shows an organization Yad L'Achim Jewish children that grow with their father in the Arab village of Arab children who do not know say, "Hear O Israel". [1] In 2001, the Shas party out big advertising campaign to introduce recognition verse O Israel, the rabbi Ovadia Yosef dreamed Messiah said he does not come to that million children who do not know the "Shema Israel". [2]

Rebbe Kalibo Rabbi Menachem Mendel Taub amended the saying "Hear O Israel" at the end of every prayer in memory of Holocaust victims, as well as encouraging saying "Hear O Israel" in commemoration of Holocaust victims at the end of rallies Religious Community. Even the name of the institute memorial to Holocaust victims initiated earth " see Kalibo is the "Shema Israel", as the name of the encyclopedia out by the Institute which were collected stories of faith and devotion of those who died.
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