Shema Before Shacharis

Question: In the Summer, I typically daven Shacharis too late to recite the Shema before it is too late. Do I need to say all three paragraphs before Shacharis, or just the first line?

Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 9b) teaches that there is a machlokes regarding the latest time to recite the Shema. The Gemara (Berachos 10b) clarifies that the halacha follows R’ Yehoshua, who states that it must be recited before the ‘third hour’. There is a machlokes between the Magen Avraham and the Vilna Gaon as to how to calculate this time (see Mishna Berura 58:4).

The Gemara (Berachos 13a) further teaches that one is obligates to recite three paragraphs when reciting the Shema. However, there is a machlokes among the rishonim as to whether reciting all three is a chiyuv mideoraisa. Ramban (Milchamos Hashem, Rosh Hashana 7a) and the Sefer Hachinuch (420) write that only the first passuk is mideoraisa, while Rashi (Berachos 20b) and the Yereim (13) maintain that the entire first paragraph is mideoraisa. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 58:15) cites poskim who hold that the first two, or even all three paragraphs, are mideoraisa.

Thus, the Rema (OC 46:9) writes that it is ideal to recite the first line of the Shema followed by ‘baruch shem’ at the beginning of davening to ensure one does not miss the latest time to recite the Shema. The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 46:9) advises reciting the first paragraph. Nonetheless, the Mishna Berura (46:31) quotes the Pri Chadash (OC 46:9) and Chayei Adam (1:8:7), who maintain that one should ideally recite all three paragraphs. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 8:6) notes that while most rishonim hold that only the first line is mideoraisa, one may interrupt pesukei dezimra to say all three paragraphs if necessary.

R’ Avraham Yeshaya Pfoifer (Ishei Yisrael 18:17) writes that ideally one should recite all three paragraphs. If necessary, one could just recite the first paragraph. One who was really pressed for time could just say the first line of the Shema followed by ‘baruch shem’.

In conclusion, if one thinks they may not be able to recite the Shema in Shacharis before sof zeman kerias Shema, they should ideally recite all three paragraphs during the korbanos or before Shacharis.

Interrupting Friday Night Dinner for Shema

Question: When we take Shabbos in early during the summer, should we recite kerias shema before birkas hamazon on Friday night, or wait until after the meal?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 235:2) writes that one must not sit down for a meal within half an hour of tzeis hakochavim, nightfall. If one did so, they must stop to recite kerias shema, though one can wait to say the rest of maariv. The Mishna Berura (235:21) explains that one would only need to stop eating for mitzvos mideoraisa. As the berachos of Shema are miderabbanan, one can wait to recite them.

Thus, the Rema (OC 489:4) writes that one who started the meal within half an hour of nacht must also interrupt to count the omer as there are rishonim who maintain that it is a mitzva mideoraisa even nowadays (See Mishna Berura 489:25).

Rambam (Kerias Shema 2:6) writes that it is praiseworthy to recite the shema in the middle of their meal if one is concerned that it will be too late to recite it afterwards (See Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 70:5).

However, the Shaagas Aryeh (21) argues that one must always interrupt a meal to recite kerias shema following the rule of tadir ve’sheino tadir, tadir kodam, the mitzva that we do most often takes precedence. One only needs to bentch after bread on Shabbos, though one is obligated to recite the shema every morning and night. He writes that this rule applies equally whether the mitzvos are mideoraisa or miderabannan. Therefore, it makes no difference as to whether counting the omer nowadays is mideoraisa or miderabannan; as it is less frequent than bentching on Shabbos, one should count after the meal.

In conclusion, if one mistakenly began their meal within half an hour of tzeis, they must interrupt their meal to recite kerias shema when it is nacht. One who started eating earlier may interrupt their meal if they are concerned that they may forget to say the shema. Otherwise, they can wait until after they have benchted.