Toby Janicki asked:
Why do Orthodox Jews sit during the morning Shema? Do they sit for the evening Shema? Thanks in advance for any help.
Shalom,
Toby Janicki, Loveland, CO USA
The Kollel replies:
Shalom
The Halachah permits reciting Shema in either position. One however may not rise just before reciting the morning Shema, or sit down just prior to reciting the evening Shema. I believe that the custom to recite the morning Shema while seated may have originated from the fact that they are already seated during the first brocha of Yotzer Or. The Brocha of Yotzer Or should preferably be recited while seated (see MB 59:12). However, this does not explain why the evening Shema is also recited while seated. As mentioned above, there is no Halachic preference.
Yehuda Landy