Sunday, February 14, 2010

Yerushalmi Brachot - Brachot of Kriat Shema

After pondering the issue, I have come to an interesting conclusion as to the Yerushalmi's take on the blessings before and after Kriat Shema.  It goes as follows:

  • From Alot haShachar to MisheYakir one says the second blessing (birkat haTorah), and then Shema, and has fulfilled his obligation if it is sh'at hadechak.  (ראה אמר להם הממונה) He doesn't say the first blessing before the Shema because it is too light and not relevant to say "Creator of the heavenly lights".  Presumably one would say this blessing later.  Also presumably, one would pray Shmoneh Esreh after saying Shema.
  • From MisheYakir until the end of 3 hours, one would say Kriat Shema as it needs to be, followed by Shmoneh Esreh.
  • If one is to pray after 3 hours, one says Kriat Shema with the blessings, and then when it is time to pray, one then repeats the 3 paragraphs of Kriat Shema and then immediately starts the prayer.  Geulah does not precede Tefilla.  (אומר ק"ש כדי לעמוד בתפילה מתוך דבר של תורה, ולא מוזכר סמיכת גאולה לתפילה)
  • At night, Maariv is recited before Tseit haKokhavim, this is standard practice, evidently.  Kriat Shema is recited without blessings.    (אומר ק"ש כדי לעמוד בתפילה מתוך דבר של תורה, ולא מוזכר סמיכת גאולה לתפילה)
  • Kriat Shema is recited at home between Tseit haKokhavim and halachic midnight with blessings.  If one plans on staying up to learn after this point, Kriat Shema should be recited first, with blessings.