Poetry and Prayer

The Day of Jerusalem and Psalm 126

A verse expressing longing for Jerusalem and a psalm describing the return to Zion together capture the emotional and spiritual range of Psalms. Supplemental Materials:

Psalm 150: The Orchestra That Is Us

The final psalm speaks more of instruments than of verbal song. There is a striking symbolism to be found therein. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a

Psalm 149: A New Song

Why do the songs of the Psalms draw to a close by speaking of a "new song?" Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 149 in English. C

Psalm 148: Praise of God and the Great Chain of Being

Psalm 148 describes all existence praising God—and the manner in which it does so is very interesting. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation o

Psalm 147: The God That Counts the Stars

An exquisite verse about the stars reveals the story of Abraham. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 147 in English. Click here t

Psalm 146: Polyphonic Music and the 146th Psalm

Many themes come together in one psalm as we come close to concluding this biblical book. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 146 i

Psalm 145: What Is the Most Famous Psalm?

Psalm 145 is very well known to traditional Jews. Why? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 145 in English. Click here to listen t

Psalm 144: David's Thanksgiving

David gives gratitude to God for his victory in battle and for the prosperity of his kingdom. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 1

Psalm 143: God's Tzedek and the Human Being

A word central to biblical ethics is at the heart of this psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 143 in English. Click here t

Psalm 142: David's Cave and Plato's Cave

Psalm 142 inspires us to contrast two very different texts about caves. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 142 in English. Click

Psalm 141: The Incense Offering and the Offering of One's Heart

A comparison between prayer and a rite in the Temple illuminates both. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 141 in English. Click

Psalm 140: The Sharpened Tongue

A verb in Psalm 140 has a parallel and a very different context in the sh'ma. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 140 in English.

Psalm 139: The Almighty and Infinity

In Psalm 139, David ponders the omniscience and omnipresence of the Almighty. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 139 in English. C

Psalm 138: The Strings and Heart of David

David speaks of praising God with a "whole heart." What does that mean? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 138 in English. Click

Psalm 136: The Great Hallel and the Fifth Cup

Psalm 136 may play a special role in the Passover Seder. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 136 in English. Click here to listen

Psalm 135: David's Temple and Solomon's Temple

Psalm 135 references the different groups of people who will come to the Temple, joined in praise of God. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation

Psalm 134: The Final Song of Ascent

A Hebrew phrase has opened the last 15 psalms.  What does it mean? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 134 in English. Click here

Psalm 133: Brothers in Unity

How is the famous verse that opens Psalm 133 linked with the other verses contained in it? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 133

Psalm 132: David's Search and David's Vision

Psalm 132 describes David's search for the site of the future Temple. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 132 in English. Click h

Psalm 131: David, Aristotle, and the Great-Souled Man

Psalm 131's themes of humility and trust reflect the essence of David's spiritual life. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 131 in