Maariv

Maariv or Maʿariv (Hebrew: מַעֲרִיב, [maʔaˈʁiv]), also known as Arvit, or Arbit (Hebrew: עַרְבִית, [ʔaʁˈvit]), 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 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. However, it may be recited as early as one and a quarter seasonal hours before sunset. 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 be prayed before midnight, it may be recited until daybreak or even sunrise.