How to Pray Maariv: A Guide to the Evening Prayer

Maariv (also called Arvit) is the Jewish evening prayer service, traditionally attributed to Jacob. The name comes from the Hebrew word 'erev' (evening). While originally considered optional (since there was no evening sacrifice in the Temple), Maariv has become an obligatory prayer accepted by all Jewish communities. It reflects on the day that has passed and asks for protection through the night.

Maariv is prayed after nightfall, when three medium stars are visible. This is typically 20-72 minutes after sunset depending on location and custom (often calculated as 'tzet hakochavim'). Maariv can be prayed until midnight, though it's preferable to pray earlier. In pressing circumstances, it can be recited until dawn. Many synagogues schedule Maariv immediately after Mincha for convenience.

Maariv consists of: 1. Barchu (call to prayer, in a minyan) 2. Two blessings before Shema (about creation of night and God's love) 3. The Shema (three paragraphs) 4. Two blessings after Shema (about redemption and protection) 5. Half Kaddish 6. The Amidah (standing prayer) 7. Full Kaddish and Aleinu. Unlike Shacharit, there is no repetition of the Amidah and no Tachanun at Maariv.

The evening Shema fulfills the commandment to recite Shema 'when you lie down' (Deuteronomy 6:7). The blessings surrounding it differ from the morning: before Shema, we bless God who brings on evenings and for His love of Israel; after Shema, we praise God for the Exodus and ask for peaceful rest. The blessing 'Hashkiveinu' asks God to spread His shelter of peace over us through the night.

On Friday night, Maariv begins Shabbat. It includes Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath) before the regular Maariv, featuring the beloved 'Lecha Dodi' hymn. The Shabbat Amidah has seven blessings instead of nineteen. After the Amidah, the congregation recites 'Vayechulu' together, testifying to God's creation and rest on the seventh day. On holidays, special insertions are added to the Amidah.

1. Wait until nightfall (check local times). 2. Face Jerusalem. 3. If with a minyan, respond to Barchu. 4. Recite the two blessings before Shema. 5. Say the Shema with concentration, especially on the first verse. 6. Continue with the blessings after Shema. 7. Pray the Amidah standing with feet together. 8. Conclude with Aleinu. The service takes about 15-20 minutes.

Even after praying Maariv, there is a custom to recite Shema again at bedtime (Kriat Shema al HaMitah). This bedtime Shema includes the first paragraph of Shema, Hashkiveinu-style prayers for protection, and Hamapil - the blessing before sleep. Praying Maariv doesn't exempt one from the bedtime Shema, as they serve different purposes: Maariv is the evening prayer service, while bedtime Shema is recited immediately before falling asleep.