The Jewish Exponent

The Shema

I grew up praying to a god in a language I did not understand. In particular, as an observant Conservative Jewish American (that is, “Conservative Jewish, not “conservative, Jewish”), I grew up ...
Brandeis University

The Opening of the Shema Prayer Explained

Shema Yisrael, or the Shema, is the central affirmation of Judaism. The prayer expresses belief in the singularity of God, that is, in God's oneness and incomparability. Though this opening verse is ...
The Jewish Exponent

Tens of Thousands Participate in Global Shema Prayer on Behalf of Israeli Hostages

Tens of thousands of Jews around the world joined in a collective recitation of the Shema prayer on Thursday that was broadcast from Jerusalem’s Western Wall to support the more than 130 Israeli ...
Jewish Insider

Josh Shapiro’s new memoir explores central role of Judaism in his life and politics

In 'Where We Keep the Light,' the swing-state Democrat provides the most intimate look yet at the centrality of Judaism to ...
Washington Times

Hundreds throng Jerusalem’s Western Wall to pray for unity, hostages

Hundreds of worshippers packed Jerusalem’s Western Wall on Monday evening to participate in a special prayer service for the unity of the nation and the safe return of the remaining hostages. The ...
Jewish Press

IDF Spokesperson Condemns Soldier Who Said ‘Shema Israel’ Before Blowing Up Hamas Mosque

Journalist Dvir Amar on Monday night posted a video showing an Israeli soldier reciting the Shema Israel verse before blowing up a mosque that was used by Hamas for terrorist purposes. The soldier, ...