Judaism (340-20300 & 344-20300) |
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Judaism (340-20300 & 344-20300) |
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The Sh’ma is composed of Deut. 6:4-9, Deut. 11:13-21, Num. 15:37-41.
Read these three sections carefully with a chevruta partner and answer the following questions together
What does the first sentence mean (Deut. 6:4-9)? – pay attention to the different possible translations (look in footnotes of your Bible, or the differing translations on the bottom of the handout)
What does it mean to love God?
What does it mean to “keep these words in your heart”?
What are you supposed to do with these words? What actions seem to be commanded by Deut. 6:6-9?
What message is Deut. 11:13-17 giving? What happens if the commandments are obeyed? Or if they are broken?
Compare Deut. 11:18-21 with 6:6-9 – what is the same and what is different? Is there a reward for doing what these verses command?
What is the message of Num. 15:37-41? What does this section command, as a specific practice or as a constant attitude?
From reading these three sections, how do they describe the ideal relationship between God and the Jewish people? What do we learn about the character or attributes of God from these passages?
This page maintained by: Rebecca Lesses
Last revised January 15, 2006