What is the Shema in Hebrew?

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Accepted Answer

The Shema (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד) is the central declaration of Jewish faith: 'Hear O Israel, YHWH our God, YHWH is one.' It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4. The word shema (שְׁמַע) means hear, listen, or understand — not merely perceive.