What is the preferred position for the reading of the morning and nighttime Shema – standing, or seated? As a general rule, it is preferable to sit during the recitation of Shema, as sitting allows one to concentrate on the meaning of the words more easily. However, the Mishna Berura writes that if one comes to the synagogue late for Arvit, while the congregation is already reciting Shema, he should not sit down for the Shema recitation, and should instead recite it while standing. The view of Bet Shamai, which is not accepted as Halacha, is that one must stand for the morning Shema, and either sit or recline for the nighttime Shema. If a person specifically sits down for the recitation of Shema during Arvit, he appears as though he is going out of his way to follow the view of Bet Shamai. In order to avoid this impression, one who is already standing should remain standing for Shema, rather than specifically sit down. However, this applies only during Arvit. For the morning Shema, one may sit down even if he had been standing before the Shema recitation. Since Bet Shamai actually requires standing for the morning Shema, one clearly does not appear as following this view by specifically sitting for the morning Shema.
Summary: Generally, it is preferable to sit, rather than stand, for the recitation of Shema. However, at Arvit, if one had been standing before Shema, he should not specifically sit for the recitation.
By Rabbi Eli Mansour
Is It Preferable To Recite Shema Standing Or Sitting?
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