עברית
Prayer and Blessings
After Ma'ariv - Is It Necessary to Recite the Bedtime Shema Again?
Question
Shalom honorable Rabbi. I would like to know if, when I pray Ma'ariv shortly before going to sleep, I am then obligated to recite the Shema al ha-mittah (bedtime Shema)? I would appreciate a detailed explanation. Thank you in advance.
Answer
Peace and blessings,
Indeed, yes.
It is explained in the Gemara that the Shema al ha-mittah, along with all the accompanying verses, is specifically intended as a safeguard recited close to sleep, even though one has already prayed earlier. If you pray Ma'ariv just before sleeping, you may simply complete the remaining verses and the Birkat HaMafli (the blessing "Who spreads the earth"), and you will not need to recite the Shema itself again.
With blessings,
Binyamin Shmueli
