Hear, O Israel

SATB chorus (with divisi), organ or piano | 4’

Hear, O Israel is an English-language setting of the Sh'ma and V'ahavta prayers from the Jewish tradition. Shared across Jewish and Christian litrugy, these Old Testament passages comprise the essential Jewish credo, recited by observant Jews in their daily prayer. The refrain "Hear, O Israel" ("Sh'ma Yisrael") is a proclamation of God's jurisdiction over the people Israel. The middle portion ("And you shall love...") is the V'Ahavta, a set of instructions for demonstrating your devotion to God by learning scripture and observing His Mitzvot (commandments). This text is presented in a joyous, triumphal setting in celebration of God's glory, suitable in Christian and Jewish contexts alike.

Text
Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Psalm 72:19, Numbers 15:40-41

Translation
Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and Weekdays (alt. Rex Isenberg)

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One!

Bless'd is God's glorious kingdom forever and ever.

And you shall love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, and all your being. Set these words which I command you this day upon your heart. Teach them patiently to your children, ponder them in your home and on your way, when you lie down and when you rise up.

And bind them as a sign upon your hand, let them be symbols before your eyes, inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Be mindful of all my Mitzvot and do them, So shall you consecrate yourself to God.

I am the Eternal God, who led you out of Egypt to be your God.

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One! I am He, the everlasting God. Amen!

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Commission
Dr. Byron Adams

Performances
The St. Thomas Choir, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Hollywood, CA

Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia