עברית
Halachot and Customs
Going to Sleep Late: Do I Still Say the Shema?
Question
Shalom, thank you for your response. I had written to you regarding my relationship and returning to the land, but I noticed that I didn't provide my complete birth year. If you could please check the compatibility again, I would greatly appreciate it. My exact date of birth is July 16, 1978; my partner's birth date is February 18, 1965. I have some additional questions I wanted to ask regarding blessings and prayers of the Shema when in bed. There are many times when I go to sleep at late hours (4 AM). Should I still say the Shema, and are the morning blessings preferred? Can I recite them without the Amidah prayer? Another question regarding the blessing of "Asher Yatzar"—is hand washing required, or is it enough to just rinse my hands? When I say the blessing, do I need to stand, or can I say it while moving? Again, thank you very much for your dedication and for the wonderful website. Shabbat Shalom.
Answer
Shalom,
The compatibility between you is excellent. The Shema said while going to sleep should be recited if going to bed before dawn, which changes every day. Currently, dawn is around 4:15 AM. The morning blessings are mandatory in the morning and are unrelated to the Amidah prayer; even if you do not pray the Amidah, you should still say the morning blessings.
After using the bathroom, it is sufficient to rinse your hands three times from the faucet, even without a cup (netilat yadayim), and to recite the blessing of Asher Yatzar. There is no need to stand, and it is permitted to walk while reciting the Asher Yatzar blessing, as long as you focus during the recitation of the blessing.
Best regards, Binyamin Shmueli
