Should Women Recite the Berachot Before and After Shema?

Women are not obligated to recite the morning or evening Shema, though the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 70) writes that it is preferable for them to recite at least the first verse, in order to accept upon themselves "Ol Malchut Shamayim" (the yoke of G-d’s Kingship). Of course, most women nowadays make a point of reciting the entire text of Shema, which is certainly an admirable practice.

The question arises as to whether women should also recite the Berachot preceding and following Shema. During Shaharit each morning, we recite two Berachot before Shema and one Beracha after, and during the evening Arbit service, we recite two Berachot before Shema and two Berachot after. Is it proper for women to recite these Berachot?

Hacham David Yosef (contemporary), in his Halacha Berura (vol. 4, p. 455), writes that these Berachot fall under the category of "Misvot Aseh She’ha’zman Gerama" – Misvot which apply at a particular time, from which women are, as a rule, exempt. Therefore, just as women do not (according to Sephardic practice) recite Berachot over time-bound Misvot which they choose to perform despite their exemption, they likewise should not recite the Berachot before and after Shema.

By contrast, Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998), in his Or Le’sion (vol. 2, p. 55), writes that women who wish to recite these Berachot may do so. He writes that a distinction exists between Berachot recited over a Misva, and Birkot Ha’shebah – Berachot expressing praise to G-d for various gifts which He had given us. Although women do not recite Berachot over Misvot from which they are exempt, Hacham Bension argues, they may recite Birkot Ha’shebah from which they are exempt, if they so desire. Hacham Bension refers us to his comments in a different context regarding Birkot Ha’shahar – the series of blessings recited each morning thanking Hashem for various kindnesses which He performs for us. When it comes to these Berachot, too, Hacham Bension writes that women are not required to recite them, but they may if they wish.

It would appear that we should follow the view of Hacham David, that women do not recite the Berachot before or after Shema, in order to avoid the risk of Beracha Le’batala – reciting Berachot in vain.

Summary: Women are exempt from the obligation to recite Shema, though it is customary for them to nevertheless recite it. As for the Berachot before and after Shema, there is a debate among the Poskim as to whether a woman may recite them if she so desires, and we follow the view that women do not recite these Berachot, in order to avoid the risk of Beracha Le’batala (reciting Berachot in vain).