The Bedtime Shema is one of the most peaceful and spiritually grounding moments of the day. Recited before sleep, it’s a time to reflect on the day that’s passed, to seek peace, and to rest in the comforting presence of the L-rd. It’s a moment to let go of worry, to forgive, and to trust that G-d watches over us even in our most vulnerable state — asleep.
Traditionally, the Shema is said both in the morning and at night, serving as bookends to the day — reminders that we live each moment surrounded by G-d’s love and unity. The bedtime version is especially intimate and protective, a final declaration of faith before closing one’s eyes.
How to Recite
Before beginning, take a deep breath. Settle your mind and heart. Cover your eyes with your right hand, just as we do for the morning Shema, and say:
English:
Hear, O Israel: The L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One.
Transliteration:
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.
Hebrew:
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְיָ אֶחָד׃
Recite quietly:
English:
Blessed be the name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever.
Transliteration:
Baruch shem kevod malchuto le’olam va’ed.
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד׃
Bedtime Shema Prayer
English:
Praised are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids.
May it be Your will, L-rd my G-d and G-d of my ancestors, that I lie down in peace and arise in peace.
Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, or wicked schemes.
May I have a night of tranquil slumber and awaken to the light of a new day, that my eyes may behold the splendor of Your light.
Praised are You, L-rd, whose glory gives light to the entire world.
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, hamapil chevlei sheina al einai ut’numah al afapai.
Yehi ratzon milfanecha, Adonai Elohai v’Elohei avotai, shetashkiveini l’shalom v’tamideni l’shalom.
V’al yibahaleini chalomot ra’im, v’raayonot ra’im, v’al yidaguni hirhurim.
Vihiyei mitati sheleimah lefanecha, v’ha’eir einai pen ish’an hamavet.
Baruch Atah Adonai ham’eir la’olam kulo bichvodo.
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמַּפִּיל חֶבְלֵי שֵׁנָה עַל עֵינַי וּתְנוּמָה עַל עַפְעַפָּי.
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ יְיָ אֱלֹהַי וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתַי שֶׁתַּשְׁכִּיבֵנִי לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַעֲמִידֵנִי לְשָׁלוֹם.
וְאַל יִבַּהֲלוּנִי חֲלוֹמוֹת רָעִים וְרַעְיוֹנוֹת רָעִים וְאַל יְדַאֲגוּנִי הִרְהוּרִים.
וִיהִי מִטָּתִי שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶיךָ וְהָאֵר עֵינַי פֶּן אִישַׁן הַמָּוֶת.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ הַמֵּאִיר לָעוֹלָם כֻּלוֹ בִּכְבוֹדוֹ׃
Verses of Faith and Protection
English:
Love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
And these words which I command you this day you shall take to heart.
You shall diligently teach them to your children.
You shall recite them at home and away, morning and night.
You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand; they shall be a symbol above your eyes,
and you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your homes and upon your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:4–9)
Transliteration:
V’ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b’chol levavcha, u’v’chol nafshecha, u’v’chol me’odecha.
V’hayu had’varim ha’eileh asher anochi metzavcha hayom al levavecha.
V’shinantam l’vanecha v’dibarta bam, b’shivt’cha b’veitecha u’vlecht’cha vaderech, u’v’shochb’cha u’v’kumecha.
U’kshartam l’ot al yadecha, v’hayu l’totafot bein einecha.
U’chtavtam al mezuzot beitecha u’vish’arecha.
Hebrew:
וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְיָ אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל מְאֹדֶךָ.
וְהָיוּ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם עַל לְבָבֶךָ.
וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ.
וּקְשַׁרְתָּם לְאוֹת עַל יָדֶךָ וְהָיוּ לְטוֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ.
וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ׃
Prayer for Peaceful Rest
English:
Help us, our Father, to lie down in peace; and awaken us to life again, our King.
Spread over us Your shelter of peace, guide us with Your good counsel.
Save us because of Your mercy. Shield us from enemies and pestilence, from starvation, sword, and sorrow.
Remove the evil forces that surround us; shelter us in the shadow of Your wings.
You, O G-d, guard us and deliver us. You are a gracious and merciful King.
Guard our coming and our going; grant us life and peace, now and always.
A Peaceful Reflection
As you recite these words, allow yourself to feel their weight and comfort. This prayer isn’t just about protection — it’s about trust.
It’s about ending the day with gratitude and humility, placing your soul gently in G-d’s care until morning.
May your rest be peaceful, your dreams gentle, and your heart renewed with faith.
Learn More
For those who wish to explore further or read the full traditional text, you can find the Bedtime Shema and its sources here:
The Chai Life 
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