Before Going to Sleep it is a Mitzvah to Recite the Shema Yisrael (found in Siddurim / Jewish prayer books … and also on our site) and one or three adjoining paragraphs. Some people sing it to their children like a Jewish Lullaby. It prevents bad dreams and is good for protection from harm and much more.

Some also say “Hamalach HaGoel …” (“The Angel that redeems me from all bad should bless the children…”) the verse from Genesis / Bereishit  (48:16) that speaks about the Angels that protected our Forefather Yaakov which is also good for protection from harm.

There are many nice melodies for the recital of Shema, Torah Tziva (the first Torah verse to teach one’s children -“The Torah was commanded to us by Moshe  / Moses, it is a heritage of the people of Yaakov / Jacob.”  ( Deut. / Devarim 33:4) –  and Hamalach. Accompany these with Jewish Stories and your children will enjoy a more pleasant bedtime.

It only takes 5 to 10 minutes and is a wonderful way to say goodnight and develop a more meaningful relationship with children.