The Book of Psalms, the 150 psalms of the Hebrew Bible, is recognized as the most famous collection of religious poetry. The psalms are traditionally associated with King David. While his authorship of all of them is unlikely – some psalms reflect events which occurred subsequent to David’s life in the tenth century B.C.E. – his connection to psalms remains very strong. David was thought to have encouraged psalm singers during the First Temple period; he is described in the Bible as a player of the lyre; he is identified as the "sweet singer of Israel."
Psalms have become a permanent part of our worship and are written in a wide variety of literary styles. Their length varies. Psalm 117, part of the Hallel prayers recited during the Pilgrimage Festivals, is a scant two verses. Psalm 119 is an acrostic which includes 176 verses. The twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet each begin eight verses. During traditional Jewish morning worship a specific psalm is associated with and read for each day of the week. Psalm 23, "The Lord Is My Shepherd; I Shall Not Want," is a standard part of funerals and memorial services.
The Hebrew name for Psalms is Tehillim. The root of the word means praise.
The psalms are a remarkable collection of poems in praise of God. They are poems which reflect the continuum of the human experience, from one person’s relationship with God to the relationship of an entire community with God. They contain thoughts of anguish, praise, doubt, thanksgiving, compassion and longing. The words are powerful and sincere and able to be spoken by all of us. Psalms are a vehicle which has allowed people to express a personal and profound relationship with their God.
As Psalmist-in-Residence at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue from 1996 to 2002, Debbie Perlman brought psalms into the consciousness of the community. The psalms she wrote are read and recited just as King David’s have been - to express joy and sorrow, gratitude and reflection. Her psalms set the mood for worship and provide moments for personal meditation. Ms. Perlman has brought King David’s psalms to life by bringing us new psalms. She reminds us that through psalms, God speaks to us today as easily as God spoke to our ancestors.
Hyma J. Levin
Director of Education Emerita
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
280 - Yiskor
The memorials commemorating last year’s terror attacks included the reading of the names of those killed, much as we hear the names each Shabbat of the people whose yartzeit has occurred during that week. Some television stations ran banners with the names, some with photos and brief bios, reminding me of the Yiskor books distributed on the afternoon of Yom Kippur. I thought of the memorial candles I light every year before Kol Nidre that recall the loved ones I have lost and how each of us is a flame awaiting God’s spark.
279 - One Year Later: September 11, 2002
Media preparations for the first anniversary, the first yartzeit, of the attacks of last September 11 disturb me. Like gawkers who come across a traffic accident, we are being told to stare and stare at images already seared in memory a year ago. Our pain may be real, but it will lessen when we stop looking and begin to focus instead on the task of mending the world.
278 - Selichot
Rabbi Allison Bergman-Vann of Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, Texas responded to this year’s psalm for Rosh Hashanah with a request: “Would you consider writing a psalm on Selichot?” Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask.
277 - Rosh Hashanah
Next week, the yearly cycle begins again. After nearly twelve months of uncertainty, it requires great faith to start anew. Our trepidation can be soothed by a certainty of God’s presence. May this be a year of peace for all the world. L’Shanah Tovah.
276 - Near the Crossroad
Sometimes we reach a place when we realize we are stuck, discontent. So it is for a young friend of mine, capable at her high tech job, a true and loyal friend and colleague, a generous spirit who finds herself longing for a way to express all her capabilities. She edges ever closer to fulfillment.
116 - For Changes: Outside the Student Union
My brother, Dave and my friend, Laura will be taking their oldest children, daughters, to college in two weeks. These first-time college parents are trying to balance the delight and the heart squeeze of separation. Seven years ago, I was that first-timer, waiting and wishing.
275 - Rosh Chodesh Elul
All too soon, the time of preparation finds me stuck, idling in procrastination, long-term projects still in the planning stages. But it is Elul. In twenty-nine days, the New Year will be here. Time to get ready. Again.
274 - Fashioning
E.G. started studies in Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles last month. Her assignments are tapping new talents and inclinations; she is on a fast learning curve in a competitive program, and she’s entranced, absorbed. What a pleasure to see my child discovering her life’s work.
273 - Beginning Studies
Something in the air of Beth Emet The Free Synagogue must have inspired our young people. A goodly number have gone on to rabbinic or Jewish communal or educational studies. Our friend, Jordy, leaves this weekend for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College to begin the five-year course of studies leading to ordination as rabbi.
272 - In Remembrance of Tisha B'Av
Tisha B’Av can be problematic. We recall with pain and sorrow the destruction of the First and Second Temples and all the other catastrophes said to have occurred on that day. On the other hand, we have our own State and the remains of the Temple are in our possession. On the other hand, we are still counting the calamities, the latest occurring - again - on Tisha B’Av: two homicide bombers who struck last night in Tel Aviv.