The third section of the morning service is Sh'ma Uvirchotecha which embodies the central creed of Judaism. The evening service contains the same basic components:
- Call to Worship
- Creation
- Revelation
- Sh'ma (Mitzvot)
- Redemption
The specific passages per service are:
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
- Barchu (call to worship)
- Ma'ariv (creation)
- Ahavat Olam (revelation)
- Sh'ma (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- Geulah (redemption)
- Hashkiveinu
- Baruch Adonai L'olam
- V'shamru (Shabbat only)
Morning Service (Shacharit)
- Barchu (call to worship)
- Yotzer Or (creation)
- Ahavah Rabbah (revelation)
- Sh'ma
- Ge'ulah (redemption)
- Tzur Israel (arise rock of Israel)
The barchu is a communal call to worship and reinforces the concept of group prayer. The reference in Psalm 82:1 to the congregation is also used in Numbers 14:27 to refer to the ten spies and is seen in Jewish tradition as one reason ten adults are required within a minyan. This is the formal beginning of worship and as imagery you can consider that we have climbed up to the Temple mount and are approaching the Holy Sanctuary.
The next blessing reminds us of that we are God's creation that He controls time and the universe. Our first steps proceed in a mind set of humility.
The next blessing reveals that God loves us and invests in us. One of the greatest gifts is the Torah (or guidance) and commandments (also known as mitzvot or sometimes called good deeds). After the previous realization this is very reassuring.
Then we get to the core of the Sh'ma: Hear O Israel the LORD is our God, there is one LORD. (Where LORD is the name of God.) This is where we attest that there is nothing greater that we worship and we put all in perspective.
Finally the reminder of redemption removes doubt that we are unable to soon enter God's presence. Our deliverance from Egypt is a regular reminder of God's salvation available to us and takes us into the next section (when we get to Amidah).
In class we also discussed the concept of Halakha which is Jewish conduct as interprested through the traditions of the oral law. The primary difference between the various Jewish sects is the approach towards Halakha. Reform Judaism rejects Halakha as being binding upon Jewish life, Conservative Judaism acceps Halakha but with the ability to modify interpretations based upon current understanding and Orthodox Judaism rejects newer interpretation (or in some cases may consider the most recent interpretations such as Achronim to be eligible for reinterpretation.)
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
- Barchu (call to worship)
An ancient tradition that is referenced in Nehemiah 9:5. - Ma'ariv (creation)
Focuses on God controlling the flow of light and darkness, seasons and stars in the heavens. - Ahavat Olam (revelation)
A prayer out of the Talmud focusing on God's love for His people. - Sh'ma (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Baruch Shem (God's rule)
V'ahavta (Deut 6:5-9)
V'hayah (Deut 11:13-21)
Vayomer (Numbers 15:37-41) - Geulah (redemption)
Emet V'emunah (true and faithful)
Mi Chamocha (Exodus 15:11, 18) - Hashkiveinu
A prayer to watch over us as we rise up and lie down to sleep. - Baruch Adonai L'olam
(Weekdays only) - V'shamru (Shabbat only)
Exodus 31:16-17
Morning Service (Shacharit)
- Barchu (call to worship)
An ancient tradition that is referenced in Nehemiah 9:5. - Yotzer Or (creation)
Praises God for creating light and as creator of all things. - Ahavah Rabbah (revelation)
A prayer out of the Talmud focusing on God's love for His people. - Sh'ma (Deut 6:4)
Baruch Shem (God's rule)
V'ahavta (Deut 6:5-9)
V'hayah (Deut 11:13-21)
Vayomer (Numbers 15:37-41) - Ge'ulah (redemption)
Emet V'emunah (true and faithful)
Ezrat Avoteinu (help of the ancestors)
Mi Chamocha (Exodus 15:11, 18) - Tzur Israel (arise Rock of Israel)
A praise to our Redeemer.
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