Shacharit ( šaḥăriṯ), or Shacharis in Ashkenazi Hebrew, is the morning tefillah (prayer) of Judaism, one of the three daily prayers. Different traditions identify different primary components of Shacharit. Essentially all agree that pesukei dezimra, the Shema Yisrael and its blessings, and the Amidah are major sections. Some identify the preliminary blessings and readings, as a first, distinct section. Others say that Tachanun is a separate section, as well as the concluding blessings. On certain days, there are additional prayers and services added to shacharit, including Mussaf and a Torah reading.

Etymology

Shacharit comes from the Hebrew root (shaħar), meaning dawn.

Origin

According to tradition, Shacharit was identified as a time of prayer by Abraham, as states, "Abraham arose early in the morning," which traditionally is the first Shacharit. However, Abraham's prayer did not become a standardized prayer. Shacharit was also instituted in part as a replacement of the daily morning Temple service after the destruction of the Temple. The sages of the Great Assembly may have formulated blessings and prayers that later became part of Shacharit, however the siddur, or prayerbook as we know it, was not fully formed until around the 7th century CE. The prayers said still vary among congregations and Jewish communities.

Service

Weekdays

During or before Shacharit, those Jews who wear tallit or tefillin put them on, in each case accompanied by blessings. Some do not eat until they have prayed. The main components of Shacharit are: Kaddish is recited in between most of the above sections.

Shabbat and holidays

Various changes to the Shacharit service take place on Shabbat and holidays: This is followed by the Mussaf service, which generally is recited immediately after Shacharit.

Timing

According to Jewish law, the earliest time to recite the morning service is when there is enough natural light "one can see a familiar acquaintance six feet away." It is a subjective standard. The usual time for this prayer service is between sunrise and a third of the day. If one missed a third of the day, it may be recited until astronomical noon, referred to as chatzot. After that (technically, half an hour after chatzot), the afternoon service (mincha) can be recited.