237. Stopping Activities to Recite Shema

Kriyas Shema 2:4

One who is involved with his work must stop while he recites the entire first section of Shema. Craftsmen must likewise interrupt their work for the first section so that their recitation of Shema not be sloppy. The rest of Shema may be recited while working normally. Even if one is working in a tree or on top of a wall, he may recite Shema where he is, including the blessings before and after it.

Kriyas Shema 2:5

If a person is studying Torah when the time to recite the Shema arrives, he should pause in order to recite Shema with the blessings before and after it. If a person is involved with handling the needs of the community, he should not stop. Rather, he should complete his task and recite Shema after if there is still time.