Jewish children around the globe learn the sing-songy six-word Shema, but what is so special about it that we close our eyes when we recite it -- and place its words in boxes on doorposts? Explore the life-giving power of this ancient, twice-daily Jewish practice. Featuring "Shema" by Debbie Friedman, z''l.

External links:

• For the Hebrew, transliteration and translation, visit these Shema and the V'Ahavta pages.
  
• For the Shema in American Sign Language, learn from this video by Rabbi Darby Leigh.