מן יאכל ואחר וטהר השמש ובא" (ז כב) "הוא לחמו כי הקדשים
Maseches Brachos begins with the words: “Me’eimasai korin es Shema b’arvis – misha’ah sheKohanim nichnasim le’echol bitrumasan.” The Gemara explains that this is the time of tzeis hakochavim when the stars emerge, and if so, we need to understand why Chazal used this example, specifically, to note the time of Krias Shema. What is the connection between the two?
The Avnei Nezer brings a beautiful explanation, in the name of his father, Rav Nochum Zev, the Rav of Biala:
The reason why the Kohanim who became impure and then immersed were not allowed to eat the terumah until the stars emerge is the basis for the obligation of reciting Krias Shema shel Arvis. Just like the impression of the tumah does not dissipate entirely from a person after immersion until the sun sets, likewise, l’havdil, the impression of kedushah that comes over a person when he recites Krias Shema shel Shacharis, does not dissipate from him until evening, and only in the evening does he have to renew it. Therefore, the Torah commanded us to once again recite Krias Shema in the evening.
Eglei Tal, Introduction
Birchos Hashachar k'halachah AloudWith kavanahBechavrusa
