Does the Shema require intention (kavanah) specifically in the first verse ('Shema Yisrael'), or throughout all three paragraphs?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that lack of intention in the first verse of Shema means the obligation is not fulfilled; for the remainder, fulfillment is valid even without focused intention. There is a debate about whether this refers only to 'attentive intention' (focusing on the words) or also to 'obligation intention' (intent to fulfill the mitzvah).
More in Proper Pronunciation of Shema
Which blessing formula is recited as the second blessing before the Shema — 'Ahavat Olam' or 'Ahavah Rabbah'?
5 opinions
If one recited the Shema without its accompanying blessings, has one fulfilled the obligation of Shema?
5 opinions across 3 eras
If one recited the blessings surrounding Shema out of order (e.g., the second before the first), has one fulfilled the obligation?
4 opinions across 3 eras
Do mitzvot require conscious intention (kavanah) to fulfill one's obligation?
7 opinions across 3 eras
If one blew the shofar (or performed another mitzvah) for practice or to teach others, without intending to fulfill the personal obligation, has one fulfilled the obligation?
2 opinions
If one performs a mitzvah entirely by accident (mitasek) with no intention whatsoever, has one fulfilled the obligation?
1 opinions
If one was reading Torah or proofreading the Shema passages during the time for Shema, has one fulfilled the Shema obligation?
3 opinions
Does the blessing 'Ahavah Rabbah' / 'Ahavat Olam' before Shema exempt the separate blessing for Torah study?
2 opinions
Related from other topics
Must one have kavvanah (intention/concentration) during the Amidah, and which blessings require it?
Kavvanah in Prayer
If one prays the make-up prayer first and the required prayer second, has one fulfilled the obligation?
Missed Prayers
If one finds the congregation already praying Shacharit Amidah before one has recited the Shema and its blessings, should one pray with the congregation immediately or first recite Shema and its blessings?
Shaliach Tzibbur — Prayer Leader
At Mussaf and Mincha (where Shema does not precede the Amidah), may one recite other verses before the Amidah?
Shaliach Tzibbur — Prayer Leader
Is it permitted to request personal needs during the first three or last three blessings of the Amidah?
Qualifications of Prayer Leader
Is it permitted to request communal needs (e.g., Ya'aleh v'Yavo, Zochreinu l'Chaim) during the first three or last three blessings of the Amidah?
Qualifications of Prayer Leader
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
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