Tehillim 119: Verses of Tet

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.

This class begins with the fascinating literary excavation of the meaning and etymology of a single word, which ultimately provides profound insight into how life's lessons are learned. This will enable us to rise above shortcomings and misdeeds by attaining higher consciousness and elevated awareness. Is it about education and knowledge, the effort expended and often times frustration engendered in its pursuit, is it about the wisdom of experience or the value of crushingly humbling encounters?

Although King David was falsely libeled by his enemies; he refused to be demoralized – instead choosing to delight in HaShem’s Torah. This remarkably insightful class provides a penetrating gaze into the inner workings of our Royal Sweet Singer’s unique personality and strategy in dealing with his many detractors. These lessons are undoubtedly timeless, yet in this modern age of cyber bullying and social media shaming, they may prove to be more relevant than ever.

King David concludes the “verses of ‘Tov’ = Goodness” by reflecting on the goodness of affliction and the silver linings it afforded him. We learn to understand the reason that physical privation segues into spiritual success, as in analysing these verses we become privy to David HaMelech’s value system and life's compass. Here, he expresses appreciation for the priceless value of Torah studied in this terrestrial world, which by far eclipses the enormous riches of gold and silver; even in their lofty spiritual iterations. Ultimately, we are taught that this seemingly lofty definition of true goodness can and should be relevant, meaningful and inspirational for every member of Am Yisrael.