Before going to sleep for the night, one recites Shema again, and thereby symbolically deposits his soul in God’s hands. These moments before sleep should also be used for a brief period of reflection about the day that has just passed, including one’s achievements, successes, and mistakes, while resolving to make the next day even better.

It is customary to add verses that incorporate repentance for one’s sins and a request for mercy from God. Some have the custom to recite all three passages of Shema. Each person should follow his community’s custom, as listed in his prayer book. At the end of the recitation of Shema one recites the HaMapil blessing, beginning “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who makes the bands of sleep fall [hamapil] upon my eyes and slumber upon my eyelids,” as it appears in prayer books. One should try to recite Shema as close as possible to sleep, as indicated by the name “bedtime Shema.”