A. From what time do they recite the Shema in the evening?
B. From the hour that the priests [who had immersed after uncleanness and awaited sunset to complete the process of purification] enter [a state of cleanness, the sun having set, so as] to eat their heave offering —
C. “until the end of the first watch,” the words of R. Eliezer.
D. And sages say, “Until midnight.”
E. Rabban Gamaliel says, “Until the rise of dawn.”
F. Mcsh s: His sons came from the banquet hall.
G. They said to him, “We do not recite the Shema.”
H. He said to them, “If the morning star has not yet risen, you are obligated to recite [the Shema].”
I. And not only [in] this [case], rather, all [commandments] which sages said [may be performed] until midnight, their religious duty to do them applies until the rise of the morning star.
J. [For example], as to the offering of the fats and entrails -- the religious duty to do them applies until the rise of the morning star.
K. All [sacrifices] which are eaten for one day, their religious duty to do them applies until the rise of the morning star.
L. If so why did sages say [that these actions may be performed only] until midnight?
M. In order to keep a man far from sin.
