Q&A: Times for Reciting the Shema
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Times for Reciting the Shema
Question
Is it correct that if the time for reciting the Shema is about to pass, one should say only the Shema itself without its blessings, and then say it again later with the congregation?
If the time according to the Magen Avraham is about to pass as well, is it still preferable to say before prayer only the Shema without its blessings, or to say it with the congregation according to the Vilna Gaon?
Any further elaboration on the topic, even in other cases, would be gladly appreciated.
Answer
Absolutely.
If you follow the Magen Avraham, then yes. If you follow the Vilna Gaon, then no.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, in his responsa, ruled that nowadays it would seem that the time should change based on the updated waking time of our generation. (Some disagree, including the Chazon Ish and Rabbi Asher Weiss.) But if so, maybe it is preferable to say it with the blessings even after its time.