Hi there, I have a question, I am new to bedtime shema, I was wondering if it is a must that I will stent up for the viduy and how severe is it to not be standing? I have a bedroom that is smaller, my bed is almost on top of the door, so I when I stand up, it makes noise and I’m always nervous to do it. Then to get back up on the bed makes noise again. If it is something very mitzvah critical like fasting or something like this I guess I’m going to have to do it, but is there a possibility to get up just for viduy? I have to move so slowly and so carefully to attempt not to make noise with the door. Is it a must? I’m a lady as well if it helps different obligations for women and men. Thank you so much for your website,

Shalom, Thank you for your question. The Kiryat Shema said before going to sleep can certainly be said when lying on the bed. (Preferably lying on one’s side, and not flat on one’s back or front.) It may also be said sitting on the bed, or standing. The vidui you refer to is not recited by everyone. In the Ashkanazi tradition, many do not say it. It is said by the Sephardim, and also in Nusach Chabad – but in standard Nusach Sefard it does not appear. Even those who say it do not say it on every night – it is not recited on the days that Tachanun is not recited, for example Friday night etc. None the less, from your question, I understand that you do say the vidui. Preferably this part should be said standing up. On our Hebrew site there is a responsa from Rav Dov Lior who rules that if this is very difficult one could recite it sitting. Let me add, that if the problem is not the standing or sitting, but the movement between the two – the whole of the prayer may be said standing up – this may solve the problem, and would be preferred to saying the vidui sitting down. Blessings.