Laws of Shema: Proper Intention, Tzitzit, and Tefillin

Holding the Tzitzit During Shema

Question: When holding the tzitzit during Shema, should they be held at a specific height?

Answer: One should hold the tzitzit opposite the heart during the recitation of Shema.

Before Shema:

• One should hold the tzitzit in the left hand between the ring finger and pinky.

• During the paragraph of Vayomer, one also takes them in the right hand.

After “Ne’emanim v’nechmadim la’ad,” one kisses the tzitzit and releases them. Some hold all four tzitzit strands, while others hold only the two front strands.

Many have the custom:

• To look at the tzitzit when saying “U’re’item oto.”

• To kiss them whenever the word “tzitzit” is mentioned.

Proper Intention During Shema

Question: If someone recited the first verse of Shema without proper concentration, has he fulfilled the mitzvah?

Answer: No. Since he did not accept upon himself the yoke of Heaven, he must repeat the first verse.

If he already continued into the paragraph of V’ahavta, he must return to the beginning of Shema. If he realizes only during V’haya im shamoa, he should finish that paragraph and then return to the beginning of Shema through the end of V’ahavta.

During the first verse one should intend:

• “Shema” — understand and accept.

• “Hashem” — Master of all, Who was, is, and will be.

• “Elokeinu” — all-powerful and ruler over all forces.

• “Hashem Echad” — God is One and rules over heaven, earth, and all four directions.

One should also intend to accept upon himself the yoke of Heaven even to the point of self-sacrifice for sanctifying God’s Name.

How to Say “Shema Yisrael”

Question: How should the verse “Shema Yisrael” be recited?

Answer: It should be said aloud.

The prayer leader should raise his voice so the congregation can proclaim God’s kingship together.

Regarding the remainder of Shema:

• Some customs say it aloud.

• Others say it quietly.

Standing Still During Shema

Question: May one walk while reciting Shema?

Answer: One should remain standing still — or seated — during:

• The first verse of Shema.

• “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’olam Va’ed.”

Some opinions extend this requirement through “Al levavecha” in V’ahavta.

Gesturing During Shema

Question: May one signal to another person during Shema?

Answer: During the first paragraph of Shema:

• One may not gesture with the hands.

• One may not wink with the eyes.

Some authorities are stringent even during the second paragraph, though for the sake of a mitzvah there is room for leniency there.

Even pausing silently to gesture is forbidden.

Similarly, one should not wipe his nose during the first paragraph unless necessary for human dignity, such as when mucus is dripping.

Giving charity during the first paragraph is also prohibited.

Touching the Tefillin During Shema

Question: Must one touch the tefillin during Shema?

Answer: Yes.

• At “U’keshartam l’ot al yadecha,” one touches the arm tefillin.

• At “V’hayu l’totafot bein einecha,” one touches the head tefillin.

This should also be done during the second paragraph of Shema.

One should not do this mechanically, but with awareness and intention — remembering the holiness of the tefillin and dedicating one’s heart and mind to God.

Some customs also include kissing the tefillin when touching them.

Saying Shema Together With the Congregation

Question: If someone is in synagogue when the congregation recites Shema, must he recite it with them?

Answer: Yes. Even if he already fulfilled the mitzvah earlier, he should at least say:

• The first verse of Shema.

• “Baruch Shem.”

This prevents him from appearing unwilling to accept the yoke of Heaven together with the congregation.

According to some opinions, it is preferable — and according to the Vilna Gaon obligatory — to recite the entire Shema with them.

If one is in the middle of Pesukei D’Zimrah, he may interrupt to say the first verse with the congregation, but not more than that.

If he is in the blessings before Shema, he should not interrupt. Instead, he should continue his own words using the melody the congregation uses for Shema so that he appears to be reciting with them.