Morning Shema: two blessings before (Yotzer Or about creation, Ahavah Rabbah about Torah/love) and one after (Emet V'Yatziv about redemption).
Question 2
How many blessings surround the evening Shema?
Evening Shema has two before (Maariv Aravim, Ahavat Olam) and two after (Emet V'Emunah, Hashkiveinu). One more than the morning.
Question 3
Should you answer "Amen" to your own blessing?
The Rambam rules: don't answer Amen to your own blessing. The exception is when a blessing closes a series (like the third morning blessing).
Question 4
What are the themes of the blessings around Shema?
The blessings frame Shema with a progression: God as Creator → God's love through Torah → the declaration itself → God as Redeemer. A complete theological arc.
Question 5
What if you missed the blessings — should you still say Shema?
Shema is an independent mitzvah. The blessings enhance it but aren't prerequisites. If you missed them, read Shema anyway.