The Shema

Amongst Jews, the Shema is probably the most recited of all biblical verses.  In fact, Karaites recite the Shema in three different places in their Shabbat service.  In one instance, the verse is simply read (with no tune) together by the hazzan and the entire congregation.  In the second instance, the Shema is recited by the hazzan and repeated by the entire congregation.  And, finally, during the Torah service, the hazzan chants about a dozen lines, and the entire congregation responds to each line by singing the Shema in a tune that is actually different from the previous instance.  We have recorded the tune for the second and third recitations of the Shema.

Hear, O Israel:  The LORD is our God, the LORD is one.
(Deuteronomy 6:4)

שְׁמַע, יִשְׂרָאֵל:  יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְהוָה אֶחָד

Shema Yisrael: Adonai Elohaynu, Adonai Echad.

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The melody below is of the Shema as it is recited in the "second instance," described above.  It is said by the hazzan and then repeated by the entire congregation.

Performed by Rotem Cohen

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The melody below is of the Shema as it is recited during the Torah Service, described above.  The hazzan recites a line of a prayer, and the after each line the congregation responds with the Shema.

Performed by Rotem Cohen