In Judaism, what is the central creed stated in the Shema?

• A. The Lord is one God who should be worshiped alone.
• B. The Shema is not used in Judaism.
• C. Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
• D. The Shema is a ritual blessing recited at weddings.

Answer: (C)

This question tests your ability to identify the exact declaration of faith that the Shema proclaims. The central line states, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” This is the foundational statement of monotheism in Judaism, affirming that there is one God who is the God of Israel and that God’s unity is central to Jewish belief. The Shema is a core prayer in daily Jewish life and serves as a constant reminder to love God wholeheartedly and to teach this truth to future generations, tying belief to practice.

That’s why this wording is the best answer: it is the actual phrase that defines the creed within the Shema and is repeatedly recited in Jewish prayer. The other options either paraphrase the idea without giving the exact line, deny the use of the Shema, or mischaracterize it as a wedding blessing, none of which capture the canonical declaration of faith expressed in the Shema.