Reciting Shema When Tired
Question
If at night I sometimes feel very tired and I am concerned that if I recite the Bedtime Shema I will get confused in the words because of the tiredness, is it possible to recite the short verse of “שמע ישראל” (“Hear, O Israel”) and still fulfill the obligation, so that there will not be mistakes in the prayer?
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah
The main part of Keriat Shema is the verse “שמע ישראל” (“Hear, O Israel”) and the passage of “ואהבת” (“And you shall love”).
However, you may continue to recite the rest of the reading as well, even if there is a concern that you may make a mistake.
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