Bed Time

Lori Palatnik recommended that I start saying the Shema with my son in the morning and in the evening before bed.

After nursing my son, I would sing to him this song I learned in a play group (to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Litter Star):

Twinkle Twinkle Cochavim (stars)
High up in the Shemayim (sky)
When we say the Shema today, everything will be ok
When we say the the Shema tonight, everything will be alright. Then I sing the Shema. My son is too young to understand, but I am hoping somewhere in his soul, these words will soothe him. I say my own prayers for my son’s welfare and I (pray) for those needing prayers of health.

As my son gets older and has a better understanding, I am hoping that bed time will become a nice time to talk to G-d.

What do you do for bed time ritual?

Chana-Esther Dayan

Chana-Esther Dayan lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband of five years. She is learning to integrate her Jewish faith in her daily living in a mixed marriage. Since there are no real rules, Hannah and her husband are learning as they go.