repeated by the leader, unlike by all other prayers (an exception being on the Sabbath, when the leader recites an abbreviated repetition, see below). Another explanation is that as the third prayer, Maariv corresponds to Jacob, the third patriarch. Support is brought from , which says that when Jacob left his hometown of Beersheva to go to Haran, he "met at the place for the sun had set." The Talmud understands this to mean that Jacob prayed at night, and hence instituted Maariv. Some suggest that he first started reciting the prayer after he fled from his homeland, and as a result, the prayer service has become associated with trust in God. Time Generally, the time when Maariv can first be recited is when the time for reciting Mincha ends. But there are varying opinions on this. Maariv should not begin before 1¼ hours before sunset. Others delay Maariv until after sunset or after dusk. If Maariv is recited prior to dusk, the Shema is repeated later in the evening. Back-to-back Mincha and Maariv In many congregations, the afternoon and evening prayers are recited back-to-back, to save people having to attend synagogue twice. The Vilna Gaon discouraged this practice, and followers of his set of customs commonly wait until after nightfall to recite Ma'ariv, since the name derives from the word "nightfall". On Shabbat On the eve of Shabbat, some have the custom to recite the Maariv prayer earlier than usually, generally during Pelag Hamincha (1¼ hours before sunset). This is in order to fulfill the precept of adding from the weekday to the holiness of Shabbat. However, this is too early for the recitation of Shema, so Shema should be repeated later under these circumstances. Prayers included Introductory prayers On weekdays, the service begins with two verses from Psalms: and . In some communities, these verses are proceeded by Psalm 134, a few assorted verses, and a half Kaddish. Shema The first main part of the service is focused on the Shema Yisrael'''. In a congregation, Barechu, the formal public call to prayer, is recited. Then come two benedictions, one praising God for creating the cycle of day and night, and one thanking God for the Torah. The three passages of the Shema are then recited. Two more benedictions are recited. The first praises God for taking the Jews out of Egypt, and the second prays for protection during