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The core of Jewish liturgy, morning and evening, is the Shema ["Hear, O Israel"], with its blessings before and afterward. For over two thousand years, devout Jews have prayed these words over and over again. This profession of faith is central to both the Jewish and the Christian religion. It is also certainly the daily prayer of Jesus Christ; see Luke 10:26-28. The Shema, with its blessings, is included in both Lauds and Vespers in the American Catholic Hymnbook. The Shema is central to our faith, our tradition, and our union with Jesus Christ.

Publisher Comments

This octavo is illustrated by the renowned Virginia Broderick. On the inside title page is an image of Jesus Christ, with the words of the Shema: "Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul and with all your mind."

Each of the seven blessings is followed by a unison acclamation for the congregation, "Blest be God! Blest be God!" with a simple four-part accompaniment. The full text of each blessing, as in the American Catholic Hymnbook, is printed in place, in sequential order.

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