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.