Order of Bedtime Shema Recitation
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Question
Hello, I have seen that the Bedtime Shema consists of several parts. Besides the Shema Yisrael, which parts are obligatory? The blessing of 'Hamapil'? 'Adon Olam'? What is the order, and does the order matter? Must the blessing of 'Hamapil' be said at the end of the order?
Answer
Hello
The obligation is only for the Shema, V'ahavta, and a verse of mercy, such as 'Padita Oti Hashem El Emet'.
The order of the verses, etc., is not mandatory, and one should say it as printed in the siddurim.
Regarding whether to precede 'Hamapil' or the Shema, the Mishnah Berurah writes: If one tends to fall asleep during the Shema, it is better to precede the blessing of 'Hamapil' as much as possible, and if not, it is better to delay the blessing of 'Hamapil' until the end
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 239
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 239, Subparagraph 2
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