Krias Shema She'al HaMitah

The Bedtime Shema is recited just before going to sleep, in addition to the Shema recited during the evening prayer service. This reading serves to protect a person from harmful thoughts and nighttime dangers, through the merit of reciting the Shema and its accompanying verses. It also fulfills the mitzvah of reading the Shema or words of Torah before sleep.

The bedtime Shema has spiritual significance as a time for reflecting on the day that has passed and making positive resolutions - to encourage good deeds and correct things that need fixing. According to Kabbalah, we also say viduy (confession) then (on days when Tachanun is recited).

At the conclusion of the bedtime Shema, we say the blessing of "Hamapil" and our custom is to say it while in bed right before going to sleep.

Background

The source of this custom comes from Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi's statement in the Talmud tractate Berachot:

"Even though one has already recited the Shema in synagogue, it is a mitzvah to recite it again upon one's bed."

In addition to the Shema, the Sages instituted the recitation of additional psalms and verses (Psalm 91, "Behold Solomon's bed," and others) for protection and defense from harmful forces.

According to the basic law, Torah scholars are exempt from reciting the bedtime Shema since they are protected through reviewing their learning. Nevertheless, they should still recite verses of mercy like "In Your hand I entrust my spirit."

Practical Acceptance of Divine Authority

The Rebbe explains that the difference between the morning Shema and the bedtime Shema is like the difference between potential and actualization. When reciting the Shema and accepting Divine authority in the morning, one commits to fulfilling Hashem's will - accepting Divine authority in potential. However, when accepting Divine authority before sleep, one repents for the past and commits to fixing actions already done, immediately correcting deeds through repentance - this is accepting Divine authority in practice.

In the Middle of the Fair

The HaYom Yom quotes the Rebbe Rashab saying "The bedtime Shema is, on a small scale, like the confession said before the soul departs from the body. However, at death one is leaving the fair completely and concluding the work of 'today to do them,' while at the nightly bedtime Shema, we are still in the middle of the fair and can still accomplish."

Soul Accounting

In Chassidic teachings, there are many references to the bedtime Shema as a time for daily soul-searching. This is when a Jew summarizes their actions throughout the day and examines how they can continue advancing in divine service.

This accounting is like the end-of-day accounting done by every business owner, summarizing the store's success and planning how to increase success the next day.

In the seventh generation, the Rebbe says that this soul-accounting should be done with joy and readiness for redemption.

Customs

• During the bedtime Shema: "Master of the Universe, I hereby forgive" and "For the Conductor... when he came" are not said on Shabbat and holidays, but should be said on other days even when Tachanun is not recited.
• After completing the three passages, we say the word "Emet" (truth). "Let the pious exult" is said once, "Behold Solomon's bed" three times.
• The bedtime Shema should be recited "upon the bed" - in one's home.