פירוש על ברכות 8:1

R. Eliezer's view "Until the end of the first watch" is based upon the following interpretation of "when thou liest down," viz. the Shema' is to be read about the time a person thinks of retiring to bed. Rabban Gamaliel's view, "Until the rise of dawn" follows from a different interpretation, viz. the Shema' may be read any time during the period given over to sleep. Which interpretation is adopted by the Sages ? Their view "Until midnight" seems to follow neither. It must be remembered that in the Orient, people retire to rest at a rather early hour. Lane says, "The Egyptian is a very early riser, and he retires to sleep at an early hour" (p. 137), and this may be taken to be typical of Orientals.