Text of the Shema before Bedtime
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Question
Hello, in the text of the Shema before bedtime, besides "I forgive", the reading of the Shema, and the blessing of "Hamapil", what else should be said? Which parts are obligatory and which are optional?
Answer
Hello
There are many customs, and the texts can be found in the siddurim according to each nussach.
The main difference is that according to the Sephardic custom [according to the teachings of the Arizal], all three paragraphs of the Shema are recited. In other customs, only 'Shema' and 'Ve'ahavta' are recited.
There are various verses recited for protection, as written in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 239:1): "Yoshev Beseter Elyon" (Psalms 91:1-16) and "Hashem, Ma Rabu Tzarai" until "Hashem HaYeshua" (Psalms 3:2-9) and "Baruch Hashem Bayom, Baruch Hashem Balayla, Baruch Hashem Beshachvenu, Baruch Hashem Bekumenu." And "Vayomer Hashem el HaSatan, Yigar Hashem Becha HaSatan" etc. (Zechariah 3:2) "Hashem Shomrecha" etc. "Me'atah Ve'ad Olam" (Psalms 121:5-8) "Beyadcha Afkid Ruchi" etc. (Psalms 31:6) "Yevarechecha Hashem" etc., until "Veyasem Lecha Shalom" (Numbers 6:22-27) and "Hashkiveinu" until close to the conclusion.
There are also differences in customs regarding this, and each community follows its own customs.
The Mishnah Berurah (there, s.k. 9) also writes:
The books write that at night before sleep, a person should examine his deeds done throughout the day, and if he finds that he committed a sin, he should confess it and resolve not to do it again
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Siman 239:1, Mishnah Berurah, s.k. 9.