The Shema: Spirituality and Law in Judaism

I purchased this book to gain knowledge as grafted in alien branch in the Commonwhealth of Israel. What I found is the reason why the natural olive tree branches were cut off. Those with knowledge let them understand.I almost never write reviews, but after i pondered what to do with this book and decided against burning it, I continued to read. Granted, the case is made for The Shema by Dr. Lamm, those weak in faith beware and proceed with caution. My warning is not in regards to the Talmud and Kabbalah notes, I find those in my studies daily, what puzzled me the choice of snippets from those document which made Dr. Lamm case for The Shema. If you are a believer in Yeshua HaMashiach, use caution, discretion, wisdom and thresh the floor. I have this book 3 stars for the intentional effort and labor to present the Spirit of the letter to the Jewish people. But is for them and them alone. If you are a "foreigner" amongst "the natural branches" reading this book you are utterly excluded in a very demeaning borderline racist way. Shalom

Awesome! One of my favorite books. Love giving this as a gift.

I love it

The Shema is found in Deuteronomy in the Old Testament of both the Jewish religion as well as Christianity. This short recitation of scripture is a formal declaration of the fact that God is the God of Israel. It starts out, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one," Deuteronomy 6:4. It goes on to give direction about reciting this verse and the following verses regularly to remind yourself that the Lord is God.When asked in the New Testament (Christianity only, not Jewish) about what is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." So, this is a significant scripture for all of us to consider and understand.This short book by Dr. Norman Lamm does an excellent job of sharing insights into the Shema and into the culture surrounding it and the people who first uttered the words. He gives us further insights into Jesus response to the Scribe and why Jesus would have answered in the way he did by reciting the Shema.Further Dr. Lamm does a great word study for us on the background of the word usage in this section of scripture and how it has a huge impact on the life of anyone who believes that there is a God.This book is beneficial for the layperson as well as the religious professional. I read it while taking an online course through Logos Bible Software. It was just one text of many used in the course, but it quickly became my favorite text.I know find myself reciting the Shema several times a day. I follow the command of Deuteronomy 6:6-9, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as front lets between your eyes, you shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates."Now you may think that extreme, but as Dr. Lamm points out this was a command from God as a way for us to be reminded regularly about who our God is and to help us start the process of meditating on the great acts of the Lord our God. This practice will add new dimensions to every persons life as they take time daily to think on these things.I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book, read and pay close attention to the details that are spelled out within it.Enjoy!

Perfect packaging. Nice personal "Thank You" note.

This is an essential book if you want to understand the prayer that is one of the foundation stones on which the Jewish religion is built. Very well written, researched and utterly absorbing. This is not the kind of book that can be read in one session but needs to be carefully navigated and digested. Highly recommended.