If a bridegroom wishes to perform the Shema recital [on] the first night [of his marriage], he may recite [the Shema]. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: Not everyone who desires to acquire a reputation [for piety] may acquire [it].

One whose dead [relative] lies before him is exempt from the recitation of the Shema, from Prayer and from [donning] tefillin. The pallbearers, and those who replace them, and those who replace their replacements, those in front of the bier and those behind the bier: those needed [to carry] the bier are exempt [from reciting the Shema], and those not needed [to carry] the bier are obligated. Both these and these are exempt from Pray-er.

[When] they have buried the deceased [and] are returning [from the grave], if they can begin and finish [their recitation] before they reach the ‘‘row’’, they should begin [the recitation]; but if not, they should not begin. [Regarding] those standing in the ‘‘row’’: the inner ones are exempt [from the Shema obligation], and the outer ones are obligated.

Women, slaves and minors are exempt from the recitation of the Shema, and from [donning] tefillin. But they are obligated in prayer, and in mezuzah, and in the Grace After Meals.