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The verse in Bereishis 49:19 states:

גָּ֖ד גְּד֣וּד יְגוּדֶ֑נּוּ וְה֖וּא יָגֻ֥ד עָקֵֽב

Is is the Chabad Minhag to read this verse, followed by the reverse of it, as part of Krias Shema She'al HaMita.

What is the source for reading it backwards and what is the intended meaning?

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    The passuk itself is talking about returning(going backwards from where they came) see Rashi there.
    – sam
    Jan 19, 2014 at 0:50
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    To make sure you haven't fallen asleep yet :)
    – Double AA ♦
    Jan 19, 2014 at 1:04
  • I haven't seen it in other Nuschao's, if anyone has more info please share.
    – termsofservice
    Jan 19, 2014 at 2:10
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    It's Kabalistic, and its origin is (AFAICT) the Arizal. The Nagid U'Mitzva (written by a student of the Ari, R' Yaakov Tzemach) says its purpose (as well as that of the surrounding verses) is "להנצל מקרי". Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg has some kabalistic explanations, but nothing explaining why it's in Krias Shema.
    – HodofHod
    Jan 19, 2014 at 22:42
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    Continued: Siddur Rabbeinu HaZakein references some Siddurei HaArizal, but I did not find online copies of them. The Mishnas Chassidim also brings it, with the same reason as the Nagid Umitzva (and likely the same source).
    – HodofHod
    Jan 19, 2014 at 22:44

1 Answer 1

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Sefer Lidrosh Elokim mentions in the name of the Shevet Musar 40 in the name of Sefer Kanfei Yonah 3:9 that saying גָּ֖ד גְּד֣וּד יְגוּדֶ֑נּוּ וְה֖וּא יָגֻ֥ד עָקֵֽב three times the regular way and three times backwards is a protection for Keri.

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    Do any of them explain why doing this procedure with this verse protects against Keri?
    – Double AA ♦
    Jan 28, 2014 at 23:06
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    @DoubleAA: They do, however it is beyond my comprehension.
    – Gershon Gold
    Jan 29, 2014 at 1:19
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    So you're just assuming they do...
    – Double AA ♦
    Jan 29, 2014 at 6:29
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    @DoubleAA: I am not assuming. They give a reason which I do not understand.
    – Gershon Gold
    Jan 29, 2014 at 14:49

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