The verse "Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one." (Hebrew: שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד‎, Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad) is known as the Shema and is the central declaration of faith in Judaism. It encapsulates the core tenets of Jewish monotheism. Let's break down its meaning:

"Hear, Israel" (Shema Yisrael): This is a direct address to the people of Israel, calling them to listen and understand. It emphasizes the importance of internalizing this message. It is a call to awareness and obedience.

"Yahweh is our God" (Adonai Eloheinu): This part establishes the unique relationship between Yahweh (the personal name of God revealed to Moses) and the people of Israel. It signifies that Yahweh is their God, the God who delivered them from Egypt and made a covenant with them. "Eloheinu" (our God) establishes a personal and covenantal relationship.

"Yahweh is one" (Adonai Echad): This is the most critical and debated part of the verse. It affirms the absolute unity of God. It rejects polytheism (the belief in multiple gods). The meaning of "one" (echad) has been interpreted in various ways:

Numerical Unity: The simplest interpretation is that there is only one God, as opposed to many. This emphasizes the exclusivity of Yahweh.
Unified Unity: This goes beyond simple numerical unity. It implies that God is a complete and indivisible whole, without internal divisions or parts. It emphasizes the absolute perfection and simplicity of God. Some interpretations also suggest a compound unity (like a bunch of grapes), which has been used in later theological discussions to argue for more complex understandings of divine unity. However, this is a later, more nuanced interpretation that arose in response to Christian Trinitarianism.
Unique Unity: "One" can also imply unique and incomparable. Yahweh is not simply one in number, but unique in essence, unparalleled and beyond comparison with any other being.

In Summary:

The Shema is a powerful statement of monotheism. It declares that the God of Israel, Yahweh, is the only God, that He is their God, and that He is a unified and unique being. It is a call to Israel to acknowledge, love, and obey this God with all their heart, soul, and might. It is recited daily by observant Jews and serves as a constant reminder of their fundamental belief.

Important Considerations:

Historical Context: It's vital to remember the historical context of the Shema. It emerged in a time when polytheism was prevalent. The Shema was a revolutionary statement that set Israel apart as a nation committed to one God.
Ongoing Significance: The Shema remains central to Jewish life and thought. It is not merely an ancient text but a living declaration that continues to shape Jewish identity and spirituality. It has also influenced Christian and Islamic theology.

Understanding the Shema requires appreciating its simplicity, its profundity, and its enduring relevance.