What Is Maariv?

Maariv (also called Arvit) is the Jewish evening prayer service, recited after nightfall. While historically considered optional—since there was no nighttime sacrifice in the Temple—Maariv has become obligatory through universal Jewish acceptance, completing the daily cycle of prayer.

Origins and Name

(erev). The Talmud associates this prayer with the patriarch Jacob:

וַיִּפְגַּע בַּמָּקוֹם וַיָּלֶן שָׁם כִּי בָא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ

Translation: And he came upon the place and stayed there overnight, for the sun had set. (Genesis 28:11)

establishing Jacob's encounter with God as the prototype for evening worship.

Structure of Maariv

Opening Blessings

and controls the cycles of day and night.

Shema and Its Blessings

The core of Maariv is the evening recitation of the Shema, surrounded by blessings. Unlike Shacharit, the evening Shema has two blessings before and two after:

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד

Translation: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.

Amidah

The weekday Amidah of 19 blessings. Unlike Shacharit and Mincha, the Maariv Amidah traditionally does not have a public repetition.

Concluding Prayers

Including Aleinu and, in many traditions, psalms and the counting of the Omer (during the appropriate season).

Why No Repetition?

The Amidah at Maariv is not repeated aloud by the prayer leader, as is done at Shacharit and Mincha. This reflects Maariv's originally optional status—when prayer is optional, the mechanisms of the repetition (which ensures everyone fulfills their obligation) are less essential.

Timing of Maariv

Nightfall (Tzet HaKochavim)

The primary time for Maariv is after three medium stars appear in the sky, indicating nightfall.

Earlier Recitation

In some communities, Maariv is recited earlier, particularly during summer months when nightfall is very late. This practice has halachic discussions around it.

Latest Time

Maariv can be recited until dawn, though ideally it should be said before midnight.

Bedtime Shema

After Maariv, there is a separate tradition of reciting the Shema before going to sleep (Kriat Shema Al HaMitah). This includes protective prayers and commits one's soul to God during the vulnerable hours of sleep.

Spiritual Significance

Evening prayer carries its own spiritual weight. As day ends and darkness falls, Maariv acknowledges God's constant presence through all circumstances. The cycle of light and dark, waking and sleeping, becomes a metaphor for trust in God through life's varying conditions.