The Shema is the first verse Jewish children learn and the last words said on a deathbed. The Amidah is Judaism’s central prayer, inspired by Abraham, codified by the Sages and recited three times a day. Yet how often do we devote serious time to studying these fundamental texts?
Discover how they entered the prayer book, who shaped them and why, and which passages courted controversy. Transform your understanding of Jewish prayer and unlock its deeper meaning.
Module A: The Shema (£45)
7 January – Introduction to the Shema: Sources, Law and Practice(Opening Free Taster)
14 January – First Section: Accepting God’s Kingship
21 January – Second Section: Reward and Punishment
28 January – Third Section: The Exodus
Module B: The Amidah (£90)
4 February – Introduction to the Amida: Authorship and Structure
11 February – First Three Blessings: Why Do We Praise God?
18 February – Middle Blessings: What Do We Ask God For?
25 February – Closing Blessings: Acceptance, Thanks and Peace
Rabbi Barry Kleinberg is an LSJS Teaching Fellow, osteopath and a Sacks Scholar. He is writing a series exploring the weekly Haftara utilising Rabbi Sacks’ teachings. In November 2025 he achieved his PhD following research in Pluralism and Universalism at the University of Haifa.