1. What document would laypeople have at their disposal from which they could "read" the Shema? Surely not a Torah scroll! (Even a skilled workman would not carry a scroll with him to work!)
2. If Kohanim were to read the Shema, would they first eat Terumah or first read?
Thank you!
P. Kershenbaum, New City, USA
Shalom, P.
1. Keri'at Shema does not refer to reading the Shema from a document. It means "reciting the Shema", and includes reading it by heart. See Ta'anis 4:3, "they read it by heart like one who reads the Shema (Korin Es Shema)".
2. Excellent question. Tosfos (Berachos 2b DH mi'Sha'ah) points out that if mealtime marks the time for reciting Shema, it would not be permitted to eat until Shema is recited. The Maharsha there asks why Tosfos didn't make their point with regard to our Mishnah, which discusses the Kohanim who eat Terumah (as you asked). Maharsha answers that the Mishnah does not refer to Kohanim who are actually eating their Terumah. It refers to Kohanim who are allowed to eat their Terumah. That is the translation of the word "Nichnasin" -- or "Metuharim" (as the Beraisa on 2b words it).
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf