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.

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.

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.

An inspirational, fascinating overview about the unique string of songful ascendancy in Sefer Tehillim. Discover the deep history, visionary planning and anticipatory passion that continues to resonate, punctuating Jewish life today!

A continued discovery of the uniqueness of the Tehillim’s string of songful ascendancy. Delving more deeply into its foundational and historical origins. reveals profound mystical secrets that explain why these Psalms remain so resonate!

In distress King David song-fully calls out to G-d for rescue, but why is the Psalmist singing when he is in danger?

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.