Sunday, November 25, 2012

HaMapil for insomniacs



Hi,

Should an insomniac recite HaMapil if he might not be able to sleep?

The berachah of HaMapil, first recorded in the Talmud and then appearing in alternative forms in the works of early halachic authorities, thanks G-d for enabling human beings to sleep.

Some authorities view this berachah as personal, thanking HaShem for our own sleep experience, and according to them one who fears he won't fall asleep should not recite the berachah. Most authorities disagree, though, viewing the berachah as general praise of HaShem for His gift to humanity; according to this view, insomniacs recite the berachah regardless of their own prospects for sleep.

(Berachot 60b; Tur and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 239:1; Eliyah Rabbah 239:3; Chayyei Adam 35:3; B'Tzel haChachmah 5:166:4; Biur Halachah 239 samuch; Yechaveh Daas 4:21; Teshuvos v'Hanhagos 2:131; Shut Migdal Tzofim Orach Chaim 2:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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