The Shema & The Amidah (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

Nature & importance of the Shema for Jews

• The Shema is the most important prayer for Jews

  • It is the declaration of faith and expresses the core Jewish beliefs about God, including the belief that God is one

• It starts with the words that express this belief in one God:

• The Shema contains details about what Jews should believe about God. 

• It represents their belief that they have made a Covenant with God: an agreement that they will love God and follow His laws

  • In return, God will take care of them.

• It reminds them of these promises so that they act in a way that shows their commitment to the covenant each day. 

• It also shows Jews that they have a commitment to pass on the details of the law and the Covenant to future generations:

When the Shema is said

• Jews say the Shema three times every day:

  • The morning prayer

  • The evening prayer

  • Before they go to sleep

• The beginning of the Shema is written on the mezuzah scroll so that the words are thought about each time a person enters or leaves a room with a mezuzah on the doorframe

• The beginning lines of the shema are recited when the Torah scroll is taken from the Ark in the synagogue

The mezuzah

• The mezuzah is a parchment scroll with the Hebrew words of the Shema handwritten on it

• It is rolled up and placed inside a small decorated container which is attached to doorposts in Jewish homes

• Many Jews touch the mezuzah on leaving and entering the home as a physical reminder of their covenant with God

• It reminds them that they must remain dedicated to keeping the mitzvot

• It also reminds them of God’s promise to them:

_{Mezzuzah by Derekcohen, public domain}

The importance of the Shema

• The Shema is the most important prayer in Judaism because it states the most fundamental beliefs of the faith

• It teaches the key beliefs that 

  • There is only one God

  • God demands moral obedience from his people

  • Jews must follow him and keep his commandments

  • People who do so will become holy and be blessed

• These beliefs are the basis of Jewish faith and behaviour

• They are sometimes referred to as ethical monotheism - belief in one God who demands moral behaviour

Nature & importance of the Amidah for Jews

• The Amidah is the second most important prayer for Jews

• It is also known as ‘the prayer’ (HaTefillah) or ‘the standing prayer’ because it is often recited while standing and facing Jerusalem

  • It is a core part of all Jewish services

• This prayer consists of 19 blessings, which can be split into three sections representing things Jews consider central to building a relationship with God

  • Praising God:

    • for being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

    • for his power and might

    • for his holiness

  • Asking for help:

    • to grant wisdom and understanding

    • to help Jews live a life based on the Torah

    • for forgiveness of sins

    • for healing of the sick

    • to bless the produce of the earth

    • for God to allow the return of exiles to Jerusalem

    • for God to restore righteous judges

    • for God to punish anyone who slanders Jews

    • for God to show mercy on those who trust him

    • for God to support the righteous

    • for God to rebuild Jerusalem

    • for God to bring the Messiah

  • Thanksgiving:

    • for the opportunity to serve God

    • for God’s mercy and compassion

    • for God's acceptance of these prayers

  • The final prayer is for peace, blessings, and compassion

• Each blessing ends with the words: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord’

When and how the Amidah is said

• The Amidah is said in weekday prayers, at Shabbat and at festivals

• Everyone stands and faces Jerusalem for the Amidah

• Before reciting the prayer, people take three steps backwards and then forwards to symbolise entering God's presence

• The Amidah is recited aloud in the synagogue

• The congregation say 'Amen' after each blessing

Why the Amidah is important for Jews today

• The Amidah is important because it serves the three requirements of prayers, according to the great rabbis of the past:

  • Praise of the Almighty

  • Requests for help

  • Thanks

• The Amidah also asks for help for both the physical and the spiritual needs of a believer:

  • Physical needs, including food

  • Spiritual needs, such as forgiveness and mercy

• The Amidah is the major prayer in the Siddur

• It is so important that it is a key element of Jewish services

• Praying the Amidah helps Jews to fulfil their obligation of service to God