DMC: The Shema

When was the last time you had a conversation that changed your life?
Explore Judaism's central prayer as a springboard for personal growth. As you work through the text line by line, this book invites you to wrestle with the big questions: What is your purpose? What does a genuine relationship with God actually look like? How do you maintain faith when life gets hard? And most importantly, how do you live a religious life out of love, not habit?
Through thoughtful reflection and practical application, you'll discover your purpose, build an authentic relationship with God, and transform routine mitzvot into moments of meaning. The Shema is a call to live your life with courage, clarity, and commitment. This book helps you hear that call and figure out what it means for you-right now.

"Themes of love, relationships, commitment, emunah, bitachon, and hope come to the fore and are developed with nuance, beauty, and sensitivity."
Rav Yitzchak A. Breitowitz, Rav, Kehillat Ohr Somayach

"Prompts the reader to consider not only what we believe and practice but why it matters...For all who seek to deepen their conscious connection with Hashem, with themselves, and with the eternal wisdom of the Jewish people."
Rabbanit Shani Taragin, Rosh Beit Midrash Mizrachi

About the authors:
Rabbi Ira Kosowsky is the director of Machon Maayan, a post-high school seminary in Israel. He believes in personal and religious growth through open discussion, in-depth Torah study, and community involvement. Rabbi Kosowsky has established student leadership programs in many countries, including England, South Africa, and the United States. He also holds an MA in Bible Studies from Bernard Revel Graduate School and received rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University and Yeshivat Hamivtar. He has authored DMC: Deep Meaningful Conversation - The Amidah, which explores the nineteen brachot of the Amidah, revealing the relevance of each one to our own lives. He lives in Chashmonaim with his wife and family.
Rabbi Doron Perez is the executive chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement and the president of the World Zionist Organization. Rabbi Perez is passionate about working for the good of each individual, with a focus on the greater good of the people, the collective. Rabbi Perez has previously authored two books: Leading the Way: Collected Writings on Some of Life's Most Important Matters and The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity, a manifesto on Zionism and Jewish statehood. Rabbi Perez is married to Shelley. They reside in Yad Binyamin and are parents to four children. Their second son, Captain Daniel Perez, was killed in action on Simchat Torah / October 7, 2023. His body was taken by Hamas to Gaza and returned for burial on Mount Herzl exactly two years later, on Simchat Torah / October 14, 2025.