Studying Tehillim

This rich chapter of Psalms is also recited at the conclusion of the evening prayers on the High Holidays following the Amidah. Discover its profound meaning and significance.

This rich chapter of Psalms is also recited at the conclusion of the evening prayers on the High Holidays following the Amidah. Discover its profound meaning and significance.

This chapter consists of 22 stanzas—corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew aleph-bet. Each stanza is comprised of eight verses, all beginning with same letter, hence it’s known as the psalm of eight-faces. This introductory class provides an overview highlighting the inner character of chapter 119. We examine the key words repeatedly employed throughout this psalm, and the profound meaning embedded in the patter of eight.

In this class we learn in-depth psalm 119, covering the first four verses that begin with the letter aleph.

The first three verses beginning with the Hebrew letter Vav encapsulate King David’s heartfelt plea that through he and his progeny be fulfilled prophetically foretold glory. Echoing these sentiments each of us can yearn to take our rightful place in the sweep of history, linking our own seed to the ancient ancestors of Am Yisrael. We pray for the ability to respond to our detractors with nothing but truth of Hashem's Torah.

Because promises are always and forever, eternity must be defined. King David makes the case for spaciously speaking and luxuriously living that has nothing to do with unnecessary extravagance, but rather about fulfilling life's purpose with a profound sense of clarity, confidence and comfort.

Because promises are for always and forever, eternity must be defined. King David makes the case for spaciously speaking and luxuriously living, which has nothing to do with unnecessary extravagance, but rather about fulfilling life's purpose with a profound sense of clarity, confidence, and comfort.

The first verse corresponding to the letter Zayin in Psalm 119 recalls prophetic promises. Surrounded by enemies, the embattled progenitor of Jewish royalty finds comfort in the Torah. Widespread and withering condemnation fazes him not, as he tenaciously clings to our eternal source of life and inspiration.

Time and again overwhelmed with inner strife, intense opposition, and even exilic displacement, the Sweet Singer of Israel succeeded in maintaining joyful equilibrium through songful Torah study that sounded like music to his ears. This careful composition of commentary provides the listener with a medley of motivational and inspirational ideas.

With his royal heart overflowing with feelings of love and appreciation for G-d and the profundity of His Torah, King David poetically employed songful terminology in evaluating its sacred teachings. This multilayered presentation is based on Chassidic teachings that illuminates a subject which mystified scholars for generations!

In these deceptively simple verses, the ‘Sweet Singer of Israel’ shares his secret recipe of spiritual mindfulness, rock-solid faith, love and loyalty that carried him through the darkest hours—ultimately propelling him to the crowning success of creating a lasting legacy of Jewish Royalty until the end of time!

This class studies the popular psalm 130 of Shir L’Maalot Mimaamakim. The opening verses reveal powerful messages about prayers emanating from the depths of despair. The Psalmist raises our spirits with optimistic hope—showing us how to rise from sorrow on the wings of heartfelt supplication. On a more profound level, it addresses our deepest rhythms of organic spirituality, setting our inner child free in faith, feeling and sincerity. This all becomes most meaningful and relevant during the Days of Awe initiating the New Year.

Psalm 130 dramatically opens with powerful messages about prayers emanating from the depths. This class begins with further analysis of its euphemistic meaning. This segues into a plea: may our sins not be preserved, and may we receive pardon from Almighty G-d alone. A wide range of both exoteric and esoteric teachings are interwoven providing profound understanding of this timeless prayerful poetry. We conclude with special emphasis on why it's recited annually during the Days of Awe from Rosh Hashanah continuing through till climaxing on Yom Kippur.

In this final offering we focus on the uniquely Jewish trait of placing our hope in Hashem, and being faithfully confident in His deliverance. Our trust and continuous yearning for G-d has sustained our people for nearly two millennia of the disappointing darkness of Galut. The Royal Psalmist declares that he never loses hope, and is in a constant state of anticipation for the dawn of redemption and a new world order of true peace. Soothing our deepest fears, King David prophetically assures us that after our long suffering Exile, G-d will not judge us harshly to the rigid letter of the law, for He is the ultimate Dispenser of Mercy and yearns to redeem His children.

The propitious Psalm 47 is traditionally recited seven times prior to the Shofar blowing. Discover its deep and rather unusual history that may most naturally encourage sinners to remain optimistic of spiritual rehabilitation. See how its very structure comprises a secret mystical code that can, quite literally, trigger divine transformation, and inspire each of us to reach higher as we endeavor to initiate a new year and infuse it with new blessings.

Following a brief preamble to the unique nature of Psalm 47, we proceed to the inaugural verses. A sweeping prophetic vision of world-nations in the post ‘Gog and Magog’ era. Universal abandonment of aggression will see former rivals transcending differences and uniting in a higher calling to our common Creator. Discover divergent dimensions of this magnificent messianic montage of the future; ranging from jubilant cries to melancholy ululating. As a never heretofore phenomenon of global G-d consciousness becomes the new normal, atheists and deists alike will suddenly see the light, acknowledging G-d’s supremacy and immanent presence.

In the post-mortem of the cataclysmic war of Gog and MaGog, unprecedented winds of change will sweep across the globe. Wicked peoples of irredeemable evil will feverishly succumb to devastating pestilence, whilst the upright and decent amongst the nations will together fall into step – travelling the road of righteousness to the newly re-energized Jerusalem. Emanating from our holy city, universal transformation will warmly unfold through the power and force of spirit, instead of the spirit of force and coercion.

As the messianic panorama will unfold, The Eternal will “choose” our geographic heritage once again, and bring about the restoration of the nation and land of Israel's former shared glory. The aftershocks of this divine “choice” will powerfully reverberate, ultimately causing global transformation! Yet, if the Psalmist merely sings of restoring what once was why would a public selection be necessary? By introducing a rare Chasidic interpretation, this class weaves together a most magnificent homily.

Building on the thesis previously initiated, we return to the initial point of departure: why emphasize G-d's ‘choosing’ what’s already long been determined. We proceed to develop a finely stitched, fresh and foundational understanding of free-choice itself. Radiantly illuminating the entire Psalm woven with vibrant colors and crisper shades of Rosh Hashanah, the Shofar’s sounding and the very organic essence of our Jewishness itself emerge in dazzling new focus.

King David now elects to proudly publicize his portion of choice and personal value system—with an eye towards positively inspiring others. Then he humbly pleads for continued spiritual success as he yearns for closeness to Hashem. On a deeper level, identifying the Neshamah (sacred soul) as a G-dly portion from on high, effectively empowers meticulous observance as the magnitude of our mission humbles and subdues us (verses 57-58).

King David royally reflects on Torah morality and ethical values, virtues and the path of righteousness we should elect to follow in the journey called life. Didactically sharing his own customary contemplation of choices at the crossroads, the Sweet Singer of Israel empowers us to make the oftentimes difficult decision to displace our evil inclination, and travel the highway of holiness – thusly exercising our G-d-given spiritual right of return. The result is a rush towards righteousness, eschewing any delay in the observance of Hashem's commandments.

Time and again, the Sweet Singer of Israel was surrounded by bands of bad brothers; who attacked, overwhelmed and even plundered him. Remarkably, King David somehow manages to muster mindfulness and maintain spiritual courage, composure and emotional equilibrium. Delving into the intriguing commentary on the unique etymology employed by the Psalmist, a telling and compelling narrative forms the basis for timeless inspiration and guidance—especially meaningful in our modern day and age of social media.

Revealing rhyme and reason of King David’s strange nocturnal schedule. On the most literal of levels, the strings of a decorative harp adorning his royal state bed would melodically vibrate at midnight awaking the prayerful Monarch, who would rise to thank the Al-mighty for his righteous judgments. In a deeper metaphoric sense this darkest time of night represents deepest despair; from which we must rebound with faith-filled vigor. (Psalm 119, verse 62)

See how the King’s love and friendship towards those who “fear Heaven,” in tandem with the kindness he sought from Hashem, serve as a profound testaments of selfless humility; revealing much about our eternal monarch’s moral compass and personal value system. This class artfully weaves together diverse commentary on the subject; and a rich teaching-tapestry emerges.

The study of verses beginning with the Hebrew letter Tet, (which represents Tov = good) present King David ruminating on G-d’s goodness towards him, as well as revealing our spirited monarch’s deepest aspirations and personal definition of good. Discover unique interplay between logic, rhyme & reason and pure faith, and the mutually beneficial synergy they share.