Maariv

''Maariv'' (; ), also known as ''Arvit'' (; ), is a Jewish prayer service held in the evening or at night. It consists primarily of the evening ''Shema'' and ''Amidah''.

The service will often begin with two verses from the book of Psalms, followed by the communal recitation of ''Barechu''. The three paragraphs of the ''Shema'' are then said, both preceded and followed by two blessings; sometimes, a fifth blessing is added at the end. The ''hazzan'' (cantor) then recites a half-''Kaddish''. Everyone says the ''Amidah'' quietly, and, unlike at the other services, the ''hazzan'' does not repeat it. The ''hazzan'' recites the full ''Kaddish'', ''Aleinu'' is recited, and the mourners' ''Kaddish'' ends the service; some groups recite another psalm before or after ''Aleinu''. Other components occasionally added include the counting of the Omer (between Passover and Shavuot) and, in many communities, Psalm 27 (between the first of Elul and the end of Sukkot).

''Maariv'' is generally recited after sunset and according to some opinions should preferably be delayed until after nightfall. However, it may be recited as early as one and a quarter seasonal hours before sunset (according to some opinions, before nightfall). This is common only on Friday nights in order to begin Shabbat earlier. At the conclusion of Shabbat and on holidays, the service is usually delayed until nightfall. While ''Maariv'' should technically be prayed before midnight, it may be recited until daybreak or even sunrise. Provided by Wikipedia