Berachot Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1 of Berachot is focused on technical issues realated to the Shema (i.e. proper times and disposition of  Blessings).  Chapters 2 and 3 continue the discussion of the Shema.

Berachot 1:5

Mishna: Zeraim, Berachot, 1:5

Summary: The Mishna discusses the requirement of mentioning the Exodus from Eqypt each evening.

Conclusion(s): The Exodus must be mentioned each evening.

Observation(s): The section on Tzitzit is included in the evening prayer as part of the Shema even though there is no requirement to don the Talit at night.  This entire Mishna is included in the Haggadah.

Berachot 1:4

Mishna: Zeraim, Berachot, 1:4

Summary: The Mishna discusses which blessing should be recited before and after the Shema.

Conclusion(s): Morning: 2 before and 1 after.  Evening: 2 before and 2 after.  Also the Mishna concludes that the blessings as established by the Sages cannot be changed.

Observation(s): The Mishna does not specify the blessings.  It just assumes that they are known.  I assume the order is as follows:  Morning: Ahava Rabba, Yotzer Hamaoros, Shema, Emes V’yatziv. Evening: M’Ariv Aruvim, Ahavas Olum, Shema, Emes V’emunah, Hashkivenu.

Berachot 1:3

Mishna: Zeraim, Berachot, 1:3

Summary: The Mishna discusses the appropriate position to be in when reciting the Shema, standing or laying down.

Conclusion(s): Whatever position one happens to be in at the correct time (Beis Hillel)

Observation(s): This Mishna is the first instance of the preference for the rulings of the School of Hillel over those of the School of Shammai.  The Mishna relates an interesting anecdote about Rabbi Tarfon who is accosted by thieves when they find him reciting the Shema laying down is accordance with Shammai.  I assume the story is meant to illustrate how universal the Hillel preference was if even criminals are aware of it.

Berachot 1:2

Mishna: Zeraim, Berachot, 1:2

Summary: The Mishna discusses the appropriate time window for recitation of the morning Shema.

Conclusion(s): Start time: When colors can be distinguished (white vs. blue or blue vs. green. End time: The third hour (R. Eliezer says sunrise).  Saying the Shema later is not prohibited as it is considered Torah study.

Observation(s): I am wondering whether the end time of dawn for the evening Shema can overlab with the start time of the morning Shema.

Berachot 1:1

GamleMishna: Zeraim, Berachot, 1:1

Summary: The Mishna discusses the appropriate time window for recitation of the evening Shema.

Conclusion(s): Start time: when the Cohanim get home and eat from their Trumah. End time: Dawn (according to Rabban Gamliel).

Observation(s): Everyone agrees the start time is from when the Cohanim get home and eat from their Trumah. Rabbi Eliezer says the end time is midnight. The consensus of the Sages in until midnight but Rabban Gamliel says until dawn, which is a general rule for all obligations that the Sages must be completed by midnight. The sages established midnight as an end time to ensure that people avoid making a mistake.