Sleep Archives - AskTheRav

Should a woman say the Yehi Ratzon and Ribon Haoilamim in Krias Shema Al Hamitah?

Women do not say the Yehi Ratzon for they are not obligated in the Mitzvos (Krias Shma, Tzitzis and Tefilin) mentioned in these paragraphs. However, they should say the Ribbon…

Repeating Shema when Davening Ma’ariv early (on a fast day)

Question: When we Daven Maariv early, like after a fast day and have to repeat Kriyas Shema, can Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita fulfill this obligation, or does it have…

Can I say Hamapil after taking off my socks?

Question: Can I say Hamapil after taking off my socks? (I may have touched my feet), or must I get out of bed and wash Negel Vaser first to…

Is it acceptable to read Seforim while lying in bed and relaxing? Chasidic stories, books of Halacha, Pirkei Avos?

While it's not the proper thing to be laying down during Torah learning, however, while someone is preparing to sleep it is proper to learn then as well, even…

Article: What if I need to speak after saying Hamapil? Or if I cant fall asleep?

The pasuk (verse) in Tehillim says, “Imru ve’levavchem al mishkavchem v’domu selah” (reflect in your hearts upon your beds and be silent forever)—from which stems the halachic restriction of speaking after completing…

Is there a limit or specific amount of time that can pass between saying Baruch Shem and Vehavta when trying to fulfill the mitzvah of saying Shma?

One should not pause unnecessarily in the middle of reading Shema and definitely not interrupt with speech or doing other things. Nevertheless, one does not need to restart Shema…

Are Women Obligated to Daven Ma’ariv?

Women are not obligated to daven Ma'ariv. However, according to the Alter Rebbe, women have the obligation to mention Yetzias Mitzrayim by day and night. This includes the bracha…

Is there a preferred direction of a bed according to Halacha?

For a married couple, the bed should be placed in north-south, unless if it's not easily done. Sources: שו"ע או"ח סימן ג סעיף ו, שוע"ר מהד"ק ט-י ובמהדו"ב…

Should a Bendel be worn while sleeping?

One should wear his Tzitzis with a Bendel as done by day. However when sleeping it should be preferably a Bendel without metal. באג"ק חי"ג ע' כ"ט שיהו כשירות…

May I sleep on my back, and without a pillow? I am a woman.

The prohibition of sleeping on one’s back does not apply to women. Generally, there’s no need to sleep with a pillow. Sources: שכיבת פרקדן - שו״ע אבן העזר…

Are women obligated halachically to say Shema before sleeping at night? If yes, what parts?

Yes, women should say Shema before going to sleep. The minimum should be: שמע, ברוך שם, ואהבת, יושב בסתר, אשמנו, בידך אפקיד, המפיל The יהי רצון does not need to…

If I’m laying in bed for a long while unable to fall asleep, I’m I allowed to lay on my back or front to help me fall asleep?

One may lay down on his back, if the head and shoulders are elevated and are higher then the rest of the body. Source: עפ"י נשמת אברהם או"ח…

Is it OK to sleep with ones feet towards the door?

There is no mention in halacha about sleeping with one's feet facing the door, however, some people have a custom not to do so based on the fact that…

Is it true that one must wear a hat and jacket (and gartel if married) for Krias Shema al Hamita? What about HaMapil, after which we’re not meant to do anything–won’t we need to remove and hang up our suit jacket, pants, hat, etc.?

It was the Minhag of many elder Chassidim to say Krias Shema while wearing a hat and jacket as well as a Gartel. However it's not a halachic requirement,…

Is Tachanun said in Krias Shema Al HaMitah on Motzoei Rosh Chodesh?

The Rebbe asked this question at a Farbrengen and left it unresolved. One approach is to wait till after midnight to say it then. Sources: ראה שיחת פסח…

1) If one used the bathroom after he already said Hamapil, does he say Asher Yatzar? 2) When one wakes up in middle of the night and uses the bathroom and then is planning on going straight back to bed without saying Berochos, should he wash Negel Vaaser and say Asher Yatzar, and then repeat it in the morning Berochos later on?

Yes to both questions.

האם לפני חצות לילה של ב’ מרחשון, כלומר לילה אחרי ר”ח, גם לא אומרים תחנון כמו במוצאי שבת? או במוצאי ר”ח כן אומרים תחנון?

הרבי העלה שאלה זו בהתוועדות והשאיר את זה בספק. גישה אחת היא לחכות עד אחרי חצות ואז לומר תחנון. מקורות: ראה שיחת פסח שני תשמ״ג. ובהנחה - תורת…

What is the proper way to say Hashem’s name in Onkelos and in Krias Shema She’al Hamitah?

Question 1: When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem's name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim…

If one stays awake the entire night, would they still say the complete Seder of Krias Shema Al Hamita? At what time is it too late to say it?

One who is up the entire night says only the first paragraph of Shema at Chatzos. Being up the entire night means being up until Alos. Question 2: You answered…