Overview
Sof Zman Tefillah (סוף זמן תפילה), meaning "the end of the time for prayer," refers to the latest ideal time to recite the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah) of Shacharis. This is calculated as the end of the fourth halachic hour of the day.
Talmudic Source
The Mishnah Berachos 26a records a dispute:
"Until when may one recite Shacharis? Rabbi Yehuda says: until the fourth hour. The Rabbis say: until midday (chatzos)."
The Gemara (27a) concludes that the halacha follows Rabbi Yehuda — the Shacharis Amidah should ideally be completed by the end of the fourth halachic hour.
Calculation
Like Sof Zman Shema, this time is calculated using sha'os zmaniyos (proportional hours):
- Vilna Gaon: 4/12 of sunrise to sunset
- Magen Avraham: 4/12 of alos to tzeis
Since the Amidah is rabbinically mandated (as opposed to Shema, which is a Torah obligation), most communities rely on the later time (Gra) for tefillah. Many calendars only print the Gra's time for Sof Zman Tefillah.
After Missing the Zman
The Shulchan Aruch (OC 89:1) provides several levels:
| Time | Status |
|---|---|
| Before 4 hours | Ideal time (lechatchila) |
| 4 hours to chatzos | Still permitted (b'dieved) |
| After chatzos | May not daven Shacharis |
If one accidentally missed Shacharis entirely, they may daven Tashlumin — an extra Shemoneh Esrei during Mincha to compensate for the missed prayer.
Intentional Delay
The Mishnah Berurah (89:28) discusses one who intentionally delays past the fourth hour:
- If they daven before chatzos, some say they should make it a nedavah (voluntary prayer) with a condition
- This is because they may have forfeited their obligation by intentionally missing the zman
The Difference from Shema
Why is the Shema deadline (3 hours) earlier than Tefillah (4 hours)?
- Shema is a Torah obligation tied to "when you rise" — when people wake up
- Tefillah corresponds to the morning Tamid sacrifice, which could be brought until the fourth hour
- The Amidah was instituted to parallel the Temple service
Practical Notes
- The optimal time for Shacharis is at sunrise (vasikin), when one begins Shemoneh Esrei exactly at Hanetz
- One should try to complete the Amidah by the fourth hour
- Even if running late, one should still daven before chatzos
- Most calendars show only the Gra's time since the Amidah is rabbinic