What to Say Before Bed and the Reward for Doing So

1. The Bedtime Shema is a prayer recited at night before going to sleep. The core of the prayer includes the Bedtime Blessing (a blessing requesting protection during sleep), the Shema, and various verses of mercy, mentioned in the Talmud as capable of protecting a person during sleep.

2. The Shema is an important mitzvah that involves accepting the yoke of Heavenly kingship and commandments. When reciting the verse: "Hear O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One," we must intend to accept Hashem as our Master and Protector and believe that Hashem is unique and unparalleled, in heaven and on earth and in all four directions, and be ready to give our lives for the sanctification of His name.

3. In Tractate Shavuot, it is noted that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi had a custom of also reciting the psalm "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High" and "Hashem, how many are my foes," which are beneficial against harmful forces.

4. Rabbi Steinman of blessed memory once expressed criticism of those who print prayer books with extra verses. "People who are tired and see many verses, end up saying nothing," said Rabbi Steinman.

5. It is proper to focus primarily on: "Shema Yisrael," "Baruch Shem," "V'ahavta," "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High," "Hashem, how many are my foes," and the Bedtime Blessing.

6. It is highly recommended to continue to say the other verses printed in prayer books. One should remember the assurance of the "Pele Yoetz": "Whoever recites the Shema - harmful forces stay away from him."

7. There are different opinions on whether the Bedtime Blessing should be recited close to sleep, after saying the Shema and all other verses. However, according to Kabbalah, the Bedtime Blessing should precede the Shema and other verses.

8. If after saying the Shema and the Bedtime Blessing, one needs to talk, eat, drink, or arrange something urgent, it is permitted, because the Bedtime Blessing is a blessing of praise for the night sleep. Ideally, it is good to align the recitation of the Bedtime Shema with sleep. (Rema Orach Chayim Siman 239, 1, Responsa Tzitz Eliezer heikhal 7:27, Yechaveh Da'at 4. Nevertheless, the Mishnah Berurah Siman 239:4 is stringent after the Bedtime Blessing.)

9. According to the Kabbalah of the Ari of blessed memory, only a person who goes to sleep before midnight should say the Bedtime Blessing. This is also the practice of many Sephardim, who if they go to sleep after midnight, say the Bedtime Blessing without mentioning G-d's name. (Kaf Hachayim Orach Chayim Siman 239, 8)

For the full text of the Bedtime Shema, click here.