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The Secret Matrix of Psalm 119

Studying Tehillim: Chapter 119 (overview)

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The Secret Matrix of Psalm 119: Studying Tehillim: Chapter 119 (overview)

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.

Related Text:	Tehillim - Psalms - Chapter 119
Audio:	Listen to Audio \| Download this MP3
Topics:	Psalms

Tehillim 119: Verses of Alef

By Mendel Kaplan

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.

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15 Comments

Gabriel Schecter Houston August 11, 2024

Shalom Rabbi Kaplan,

As a retired man, in my studies, the following pesuk is confusing to me.

Psalms 119:126 says, “It is a time to act for the LORD, for they have violated Your teaching.”

Rashi interprets Psalms 119:126 as saying, “Our Rabbis, however, derived from it from this verse that we may transgress the words of the Torah in order to make a fence and a wall a safeguard for Israel, [Ezekiel 13:1-5], e.g., Gideon and Elijah on Mount Carmel, who sacrificed on high places (Berackhot 63a).”

Can it be that our Sages and Rabbis were authorized to transgress G-d’s Torah? Thanks for some understanding of Rashi’s meaning.
Reply

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan August 14, 2024

in response to Gabriel Schecter:

The simple answer is yes, but don't try it at home. For example; a surgeon may chose to abandon standard or accepted medical practice in middle of a life-threatening intervention. But that does not authorize lay people to dispense give advice on such affairs on social media. Hope that helps. Subscribe to mt YouTube channel today, if you'd like to view my current Torah teachings. YouTube.com/rabbimendelkaplan Reply

Gabriel Schecter Houston August 15, 2024

in response to Rabbi Mendel Kaplan:

Rabbi, thanks for your response.

Rabbi, as a retired surgeon, I must honestly disagree with your statement. There were times where I found myself accommodating to unusual or problematic events requiring altering the standard operative procedure.

When it comes to our G-d and His eternal Torah, isn't humankind forbidden to modify, add to, reinterpret, or delete His words. It may be that Hashem has given each neshuma the ability for understanding and interpreting His Torah for which all souls are ultimately responsible to our Creator.

Elihu, son of Barachel, speaking to Job (32:7-9) saying, “I thought, “Let age speak; Let advanced years declare wise things.” But truly, it is the spirit in men, The breath of Shaddai, that gives them understanding. It is not the aged who are wise, The elders, who understand how to judge.”

What is your understanding of G-d’s gift given at first breath?

Reply

Mendel Kaplan August 15, 2024

in response to Gabriel Schecter:

The surgery was only a (possible) metaphor, which clearly seems inaccurate. However, this Torah concept is a well documented Torah concept. This not the forum for the lengthy explanation - rather to answer or explain something which is unique to this class. This concept is not. I'd suggest you visit your local orthodox Rabbi. If you don't have one, you can email me directly at [email protected] Reply

S Morrissey January 20, 2024

Is the worksheet that you use available? Reply

Doug Roderick Coos Bay, Oregon November 10, 2021

Rabbi,
In reviewing the “Spoken word, studying the Tehillim Chapter 119, Date May 2018, it keeps stopping and starting over again. The time frame in around the twenty minute mark, the reason I say this is does vary a bit. I know I can use the audio only, but haven’t as of yet, I apologize for not checking it out prior to. I really enjoy seeing you as we study and learn together. Than you Rabbi Reply

yaffa oak park April 27, 2020

Where can i find the matrix? Thanks Reply

Yigal Gur August 15, 2021

in response to yaffa:

Please, send me the Matrix via e-mail Reply

Cindy November 30, 2023

in response to yaffa:

Matrix ? Could I have this as well, please? Reply

Janice DEnver November 19, 2015

119 Rabbi Kaplan;

good to see and hear you well. Thank you for the wonderments of Psalm 119. And the 8 faces Reply

Jennifer Galit Chantrill Brisbane November 6, 2015

T'hillim 119 Thank you Rabbi K for sending this link on Facebook Reply

Anonymous Detroit January 20, 2019

in response to Jennifer Galit Chantrill:

Thank you Reply

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Thornhill, Ontario November 1, 2015

I will, please G-d, continue to provide chabad.org with the content, and I presume that they will continue to upload and provide the links. TY both for your kind words :) Reply

Anonymous Brazil November 1, 2015

Thank you, Rabbi Kaplan! One class for a whole life. Reply

Sylvia U.K. October 31, 2015

Part two Dear Rabbi,
Thank you, for this wonderful insight. Do I need to register to access the continuing lectures? If yes, will you please send me the link? Thank you. Reply

The Secret Matrix of Psalm 119: Studying Tehillim: Chapter 119 (overview)

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