Manuscript of the Shema prayer - the central affirmation of Judaism. The Shema prayer emphasises the belief in the singularity of God, and is considered the most important prayer in Judaism. It is traditionally recited twice a day, as part of the morning (Shacharit) and evening (Arvit) services, its text is also contained inside the Mezuzah and the Tefillin. The first verse of the Shema prayer originates from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy and is among the best-known in all of Jewish liturgy.

This parchment page contains the middle part of the Shacharit service, the Shema prayer being its main part. The parchment page was most likely part of a folio-sized manuscript prayer book, commissioned for a wealthy Jewish family (possibly as a gift for a special occasion).

Hebrew manuscript, ink & gouache on double-sided parchment; parchment size, circa: 38 x 27 cm; mounted size: 48.5 x 37 cm; mounted.