We conclude a last teaching of the first Mishnah of this tractate and immediately continue with the second Mishnah of Tractate Berachot.
What time can we recite the morning Shema? Our first Mishnah dealt with the time for the evening Shema. There we learnt it was appropriate to begin our learning with the Shema recited in the evening because just like the creation of the world, night preceded day, so too is it correct to start with the time of the evening Shema. It was evening and it was morning – one day (or One day.)
Now, our Sages begin to deal with the back and forth discussions related to reciting the morning Shema. At what time can we begin it and until when may we recite it? After all, isn’t it important to know what the definition of “day” would be to qualify for us fulfilling the Mitzvah of that daytime (morning) Shema?
Our Rabbis give us insight into understanding the different ways of looking at how to distinguish the period of time we can already call morning. This is because the very words in the Keriat Shema say that we shall “speak of them” when we lie down (night time) and when we arise (the morning.) So when do we arise?!
We learn about the colours blue and green, dogs and wolves, donkeys and wild donkeys – and just how they play an important part in determining this time for the recital of the Shema in the morning.
We also learn another fascinating teaching. One who joins the Geulah with Prayer (i.e. the Amidah) will come to no harm that day! What ever does that mean?
