“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” — KJV OT Deuteronomy 6:4

From this foundation (Shema) come several interconnected ideas:

• There is one God — the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Judaism is uncompromisingly monotheistic. 
• God established a covenant with Israel. Israel is called to maintain a particular relationship with God and to live accordingly. 
• The Torah reveals how that covenant is lived. Its commandments (mitzvot) govern worship, morality, justice, family life, community, and one's relationship with God. 
• Human conduct matters profoundly. Judaism strongly emphasizes righteous action—justice, mercy, charity, repentance, and holiness—not merely intellectual belief. 
• Love of God and love of neighbor are central. Immediately following the Shema comes: “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart…” (Deut. 6:5). Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”