עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Reciting Shema on the Bed Sitting or Standing
Question
I would like to receive an explanation regarding the recitation of Shema on the bed. Until what time is it permissible to recite? Is it allowed to speak? Should it be recited sitting or standing? Any detailed explanation will be appreciated.
Answer
Greetings,
1. It is permissible to recite Shema on the bed if you assume that you will fall asleep before dawn (see Biur Halacha, Orach Chaim 235:1, Chazon Ovadia, Berachot, page 710, and Halacha Brurah, Orach Chaim 235, in Biur Halacha 11).
2. Ideally, one should strive diligently not to interrupt with speech between the blessing of Hamapil and sleep. If one has spoken, the blessing is not in vain, and there is no need to recite it again (see Rema, Orach Chaim 235:1, Mishna Berurah 24, and Responsa Yechaveh Da'at, part 4, section 21).
3. According to the law, one is allowed to recite Shema on the bed while lying on their side, but it is prohibited to recite while lying on their back or stomach. It is preferable to recite Shema on the bed while standing or sitting, so that one can concentrate properly and not fall asleep in the middle (see Mishna Berurah there 26, and Halacha Brurah there section 3).
And the Vidui (confession, according to the custom of Sephardim) should be recited while standing.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
