Bedtime Shema: Complete Guide to the Night Prayer

The Bedtime Shema (Kriat Shema al HaMitah) is a collection of prayers recited before going to sleep. It includes the first paragraph of the Shema, various Psalms, and the Hamapil blessing. This practice fulfills the verse 'when you lie down' in the Shema and provides spiritual protection through the night. It is a time for reflection, forgiveness, and entrusting oneself to God's care.

The Bedtime Shema should be recited immediately before falling asleep, as the last thing you do before closing your eyes. Even if you've already prayed Maariv with its Shema, you still recite the Bedtime Shema. The ideal time is while lying in bed, ready to sleep. Some say it earlier if they plan to read or do other activities in bed, but the Hamapil blessing should be said right before sleep.

The Bedtime Shema typically includes: 1) The first paragraph of Shema (Shema Yisrael through V'ahavta), 2) The blessing of Hashkiveinu or similar prayers for protection, 3) Psalm 91 (Yoshev B'seter) - the Psalm of protection, 4) Various other verses and prayers for safety, 5) The Hamapil blessing, said immediately before sleep. Different communities have varying customs about which additional prayers to include.

The Hamapil blessing thanks God for causing sleep to fall upon our eyes. It asks for peaceful rest, good dreams, and protection from disturbing thoughts. This blessing should be the very last thing said before sleep - nothing should be said or done afterward. If you're not sure you'll fall asleep immediately, some authorities suggest omitting God's name from the blessing or reciting it earlier in the sequence.

An important component of the Bedtime Shema is the declaration of forgiveness. We say 'Master of the Universe, I hereby forgive anyone who has angered or vexed me...' This practice prevents us from going to sleep with grudges and promotes inner peace. The Talmud teaches that one who forgives others before sleep will have their own sins forgiven. This nightly cleansing of the heart is a powerful spiritual practice.

Psalm 91 (Yoshev B'seter Elyon) is central to the Bedtime Shema. Known as the 'Psalm of Protection,' it speaks of dwelling in God's shelter and being safe from nighttime terrors, plagues, and dangers. The psalm declares trust in God's protection: 'He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge.' This psalm has been recited for protection for thousands of years.