Selected Psalms to Be Recited in the Presence of the Deceased

The following Psalms are customarily recited when in the presence of the deceased. One can also recite additional Psalms.

3) Psalm 23

Hebrew and Transliteration:

Translation:

A Psalm by David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul; He directs me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His Name.
Even if I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff -- they will comfort me.
You will prepare a table before my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup is full.
Only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord for many long years.

3) Psalm 90, Verse 17

Hebrew and Transliteration:

Translation:

May the pleasantness of the Lord our G-d be upon us; establish for us the work of our hands; establish the work of our hands.

3) Psalm 91

Hebrew and Transliteration:

Translation:

You Who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, Who abides in the shadow of the Omnipotent,
I say [to you] of the Lord Who is my refuge and my stronghold, my G-d in Whom I trust,
that He will save you from the ensnaring trap, from the destructive pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions and you will find refuge under His wings; His truth is a shield and an armor.
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
the pestilence that prowls in the darkness, nor the destruction that ravages at noon.
A thousand may fall at your [left] side, and ten thousand at your right, but it shall not reach you.
You need only look with your eyes, and you will see the retribution of the wicked.
Because you [have said,] "The Lord is my shelter," and you have made the Most High your haven,
no evil will befall you, no plague will come near your tent.
For He will instruct His angels in your behalf, to guard you in all your ways.
They will carry you in their hands, lest you hurt your foot on a rock.
You will tread upon the lion and the viper; you will trample upon the young lion and the serpent.
Because he desires Me, I will deliver him; I will fortify him for he knows My Name.
When he calls on Me, I will answer him; I am with him in distress, I will deliver him and honor him.
I will satisfy him with long life, and show him My deliverance.