Learn to read and pronounce the three paragraphs of the Shema V’Ahavta.
Click any word below to hear it pronounced, and see it’s transliteration and meaning.
Click the play-button arrow above any of the three paragraphs to hear the verses read out loud, word by word. Once you click that play-button, the control jumps to the top of the screen, so you can scroll as needed. You can click the bar on the speed control to speed it up or slow it down. It starts a medium speed, where you should be able to pronounce the word either before or after the computer says the word.
Change History
New Israeli voice added to all words on this page on October 19, 2026.
Notes on God’s names
In keeping with the concept of not using God’s name in vain,
we are using “Amonai” instead of “Adonai” and “Elokeinu” instead of “Eloheinu” (and similar on other versions of the “Elohim” name. You can use these names when practicing, but the real names when davening (praying).
Background Information on the Shema
Originally, the Shema consisted only of one verse: Deuteronomy 6:4 (see Talmud Sukkot 42a and Berachot 13b). The recitation of the Shema in the liturgy, however, consists of three portions: Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37–41. The three portions relate to central issues of Jewish belief.
Additionally, the Talmud points out that subtle references to the Ten Commandments can be found in the three portions. As the Ten Commandments were removed from daily prayer in the Mishnaic period (70-200 CE), the Shema is seen as an opportunity to commemorate the Ten Commandments.
On a Torah scroll, there are two larger-print letters in the first sentence (‘ayin ע and daleth ד) which, when combined, spell “עד”. In Hebrew this means “witness”. The idea thus conveyed is that through the recitation or proclamation of the Shema one is a living witness testifying to the truth of its message. Modern Kabbalistic schools, namely that of the Ari, teach that when one recites the last letter of the word “‘ecḥad'” (אחד), meaning “one”, he or she is to intend that he is ready to “die into God”.
The Shema v’Ahavta is said in the morning Shacharit service, and in the evening Maariv service. The first part only is also part of the “bedtime Shema.” (called “Shema Al-HaMitah” (literally “Shema on the bed”).
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:4-9
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 11:13-21
Bamidbar (Numbers) 15:37–41
YouTube – Different versions of singing/chanting the above
Ashkenaz, Cantor singing, with highlighted phrases
Ashkenazi, Cantor Singing
Ashkenazi, Lady Singing
Sephardic (Spanish Portuguese)
Sephardic (uncertain which nusach)
Sephardic (Mizrachi)
Sephardic (Moroccan)
Sephardic (Mizrachi)
Very Mideastern and “operatic” voice.
Shema from 23 seconds into video to 1:41 minute/second marker.
Does not include the A’Havta, it goes into “Adonai Hu Ha Elohim”.
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