Mitzvat Aseh 10 - To Recite Shema Every Day at Shacharit and Arvit

The Mitzvah

Source: Devarim 5:11

The details of this commandment can be found in Tractate Berachot (26a, 30a, 61b, 63b) and there it says that reciting the Shema each day is Biblically commanded.

The Tosefta there says that just as the Torah establishes set times for Shema, so did the Chachamim (wise sages) do for the times of Tefillah (general prayer). That is to say that the times for Tefillah are not from the Torah. Nevertheless, the obligation of Tefillah (Shmoneh Esrei) is from the Torah (as we saw in Mitzvat Aseh 5) and the Chachamim just set the times for when they are said. This is the essence of what the Chachamim meant that they established the times of teh Tefillah according to when the Korban Tamid (twice daily sacrifice during the time of the Temple) was brought.

Women are not obligated in this Mitzvah.

There is no commentary on this Mitzvah, however, here is a good place to review some of the Halachot pertaining to the recital of Shema. These are taken from the Mishna Berurah:

1. Since reciting the Shema is a Mitzvah from the Torah (and even if it wasn't), one should be careful to pronounce each word properly.
2. The proper position for reciting the Shema is sitting upright, facing forward.
3. It is essential to have Kavanah (concentration) for at least the first pasuk of Shema (the next post will have some Kavanot (concentration formulas) to use for yourself). If one does not have concentration, he must repeat that pasuk with Kavanah.
4. The proper time for reciting the Shema in the morning is from the time one can tell the difference between white and blue strings on tzitzit (a little bit before Netz, or sunrise) until three Halachic hours into the day.
5. While women are exempt from reciting Shema each day, it is advisable that we do teach them the concept of Kabbalat Ol Malchut Shamayim, receiving the yolk of heaven, i.e. the Shema. In terms of children, once they are old enough to be taught the Shema, it is best to do so, but having learned it does not obligate them in reciting it twice daily.