Hashkivenu
Hashkivenu
Hashkivenu (’Lay us down’) is the second blessing following the Shema during the evening prayers. It is a petitionary prayer to lie down in peace at night and return to life the following day.
On Shabbat and Jewish holidays the blessing is ended with the words "Who spreads the shelter of peace upon us, upon all of his people Israel, and Jerusalem." The words "and spread over us the shelter of Your peace", which are normally recited earlier in the paragraph, are repeated before the closing. This reflects the peace that comes with these special days, and that putting Jerusalem above everything else is essential.
Adonoy our God; make us lie down in peace, our King, raise us again to life Spread over us the shelter of Your peace, and direct us to better ourselves through Your good counsel; and deliver us for Your Name’s sake. Shield us, and remove from us enemies, pestilence, sword, famine and sorrow. Remove the adversary from before us and from behind us, and shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. For, Almighty, You are our Protector and Rescuer, For, Almighty You are a gracious and merciful King. Guard our going out and our coming in for life and peace for now forever. And spread over us the shelter of Your peace. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Who spreads the shelter of peace over us and over all His people, Israel and over Jerusalem.