עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Reciting Shema Before Sleep: A Remedy for Impurity
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, I understand that there is a great virtue in reciting the Shema that is said before sleeping at night, particularly for rectifying the sin of wasted seed (in addition to the main aspect of repentance). Could you please explain this? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
Reciting the Shema before sleep consists of two parts: 1. The Shema itself and additional verses, which are intended for protection (Mishnah Berurah 240:32, and Sha'ar HaTziyon 240:38). 2. The blessing of Hamapil, which is a blessing of praise and gratitude for the creation of sleep (responsa Yechave Da'at part 4, section 21).
The Ben Ish Hai (Year 1, Parashat Pekudai, section 13) writes regarding the recitation of the Shema on the bed that one should intend to rectify the sin of keri and wasted seed that has come from him, whether unintentionally or intentionally – so that the impure bodies that envelop the souls that have been harmed by the sitra achra due to those drops of wasted seed should perish, and those souls will return to holiness and come into this world like all other holy souls, etc.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
