Shema Yisrael in Jewish jewelry – carry the powerful prayer anywhere you go
Ask any Jewish person which Jewish prayer is the closest to their heart and they’ll surely say – Shema Yisrael. Shema Yisrael is undoubtedly the most renowned prayer in Judaism. By uttering these words, the believer expresses the foundation of the Jewish religion: the belief that the God of Israel is the only God.
The origins of the powerful prayer
Interestingly what is known as Shema is not exactly a prayer, but rather a confession, a declaration addressed to God proclaiming: ” Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”. “Shema” is usually used by extension to refer to the full version of the daily prayer but is best known for its first psalm. The full version of Shema Yisrael includes three paragraphs from the Torah: Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37–41. These verses comprise the biblical commandants to say Shema Yisrael twice a day – before sunrise and shortly after nightfall- and affix a mezuzah to every doorpost. The verses that comprise Shema Yisrael are written on a scroll that must be kosher (written by a Sofer Stam according to Jewish law ) and this scroll is placed inside a mezuzah case.
Shema Yisrael and Rabbi Akiva Ben Yoseph
Rabbi Akiva , a virtuous man (A Tzadik ) lived in the second century was imprisoned by Tyrannus Rufus and painfully tortured – his flesh was being torn with irons tools. Even as he was suffering, Rabbi Akiva was reciting his prayers calmly. When asked by his tormenter whether he was a sorcerer since he seemed to be feeling no pain, Rabbi Akiba replied with no hesitation, “I am no sorcerer; but I rejoice at the opportunity now given to me to love my God with all my life.” Rabbi Akiva, who has become a legend, died on the Atonement Day reciting the Shema with his last breath . His last word was Echad – One in Hebrew (Talmud Brakhot).
According to the bible, every Jewish person is commanded to recite this prayer twice a day. Every child knows it and every parent must pass it to the children. Jewish women are not obligated to recite Shema. However, it is common practice among all Jews – women, men, and children – to do so. It must be because these words touch the soul of every Jewish believer.
Calling out the words Shema Yisrael has become an integral part of Jewish collective memory after the Holocaust. Hundred of thousands of Jews who were led to their death called out Shema Israel before the Nazis murdered them. That is another important aspect of the prayer, and some argue the most important: by saying Shema Yisrael the believer declares his unconditional faith even in the gravest of moments- we accept the fact the God who has brought the Good is the same God who brought the bad.
A Shema Yisrael pendant is a very popular Jewish jewelry accessory. Here is a special Shema Yisrael pendant designed by Israeli studio Adina Plastelina. Find it at Canaan Online.
If you prefer to carry the sacred blessing on your wrist there is a wide variety of beautiful Shema Yisrael bracelets. You can find this Italian leather bracelet at Handmade Judaica Online!
