“Since the Sages instituted the practice of reciting: ‘Hashkiveinu’, it is considered one extended blessing of redemption.” (Talmud Bavli, Brakhot 4b)
As our Exodus from Egypt was redemption,
So is asking for help redemption.
Free our longings
From the cage around our hearts,
Give us the courage to speak our hopes and fears,
That their cries may awaken our ears
And find their way to You.
As marching to the Promised Land was redemption,
So is lying down in safety redemption.
God, our Protector,
Shield our homes from wind and war,
Our bellies from famine,
Our minds from malice,
Our hands from wickedness.
Remind us of the simple truth
That until the day when our neighbors are safe,
Our homes will never be truly safe.
Guard us through the coming night
With peaceful faces,
With faithful hands,
With the breath of life.
בּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה
הַפּוֺרֵשׂ סֻכַּת שָׁלוֺם עָלֵינוּ
וְעַל כָּל עַמּוֺ יִשְׂרָאֵל
וְעַל כָּל יוֺשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל
.וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלָיִם
Blessed are You, Eternal One—
Who spreads a shelter of peace over us
Over all of Yisrael,
Over all who dwell on Earth,
And over Jerusalem.
