The Shma‘
The Shma‘ represents the creedal affirmation of Jewish synagogue worship. It is comprised of three passages from the Pentateuch. The first of these is the most important; Jesus quoted it in response to a scribe who asked him which commandment was the greatest in the Law (Mark 12:28). The second and third portions may be shortened. The Shma‘ is recited in the opening part of synagogue worship. This section gives a translation of the text of the Shma‘.