Studying Tehillim: Chapter 47

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.