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Listen, Little Ears: Learning The Shema Prayer

Listen, Little Ears: Learning The Shema Prayer

It was bedtime in Noah and Ava’s house. Mama tucked them into their cozy blankets and said, “Before we sleep, let’s say something very special. It’s called the Shema.”  

Ava wiggled her toes. “What’s the Shema, Mama?”  

Mama smiled and said, “The Shema is a special prayer from the Bible. It reminds us to love God with our whole heart!”  

Noah clapped his hands. “I love God!”  

Mama said, “Good! The Shema starts like this:  

‘Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.’  

It means, ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’”  

“Listen, Israel,” Ava repeated. “Like my ears listen!”  

“That’s right!” Mama said. “And do you know what it says next? It tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.”  

Noah squeezed his teddy bear. “I love God with my heart!”  

Mama nodded. “And we show God our love when we pray, sing, and help others.”  

Papa peeked into the room. “Are you teaching them the Shema?”  

“Yes,” Mama said. “Let’s say it together!”  

They all put their hands over their eyes and said,  

“*Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.*”  

When they finished, Mama kissed their foreheads. “Now your hearts are ready to sleep, full of God’s love.”  

Ava yawned. “I love God forever.”  

Noah snuggled into his pillow. “Forever and ever.”  

And as they drifted to sleep, the Shema stayed in their hearts like a sweet lullaby.  

The End