Birchas Hatorah by Mivtza Tefillin-May one say Shema prior to Birchas Hatorah?

Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to the recital of Shema.^[1] However, in a time of need, such as if Zman Kerias Shema is passing, one may say it prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah.^[2] Accordingly, by Mivtza Tefillin it is proper for the individual to also recite Birchas Hatorah prior to saying Shema, if he has yet to say it that day.

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[1] 2^nd custom in Admur 46:8 and so he concludes “It is best to arrange to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to reciting any verse [even in the form of prayer].”

[2] 1^st opinion in Admur ibid regarding the verses read before Parshas Hatamid; Yosef Ometz 66; Eretz Tzevi 1:19; Bitzel Hachachma 1:1; Shraga Hameir 2:60; Even Yisrael 9:63; Mishnes Yosef 5:16; Peri Megadim 52; Az Nidbaru 9:54

The reason: As the verses of Shema are said as a supplication and prayer and not for the sake of Torah learning [see Admur ibid] as one does not fulfill the Mitzvah of learning Torah with the recital of Shema unless he has intent to do so. [Poskim ibid] This is not similar to the reading of the Parshas Hatamid, of which Admur rules that one may not recite it prior to Birchas Hatamid, being that the verses of the Tamid are read for the sake of fulfilling the requirement of learning Torah [Admur 50:1] and for the sake of fulfilling the saying of the Sages “whoever learns the portion of the Olah is considered to have brought the Olah”. [Kama 1:11; Basra 1:9]

Other Opinions: See Ashel Avraham Butchach 46 which is stringent in this matter, as one always fulfills the Mitzvah of learning Torah when reading the Shema.