Poetry and Prayer

A verse expressing longing for Jerusalem and a psalm describing the return to Zion together capture the emotional and spiritual range of Psalms. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 126 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 126 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 126 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The final psalm speaks more of instruments than of verbal song. There is a striking symbolism to be found therein. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 150 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 150 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 150 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Why do the songs of the Psalms draw to a close by speaking of a "new song?" Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 149 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 149 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 149 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 148 describes all existence praising God—and the manner in which it does so is very interesting. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 148 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 148 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 148 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

An exquisite verse about the stars reveals the story of Abraham. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 147 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 147 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 147 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Many themes come together in one psalm as we come close to concluding this biblical book. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 146 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 146 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 146 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 145 is very well known to traditional Jews. Why? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 145 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 145 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 145 in Hebrew and English. Click here to listen to "Psalms in a Gulag and on a Gameshow." Click here to listen to "Clear as a Jew in Ashrei." — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David gives gratitude to God for his victory in battle and for the prosperity of his kingdom. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 144 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 144 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 144 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A word central to biblical ethics is at the heart of this psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 143 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 143 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 143 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 142 inspires us to contrast two very different texts about caves. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 142 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 142 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 142 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A comparison between prayer and a rite in the Temple illuminates both. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 141 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 141 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 141 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A verb in Psalm 140 has a parallel and a very different context in the sh'ma. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 140 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 140 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 140 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

In Psalm 139, David ponders the omniscience and omnipresence of the Almighty. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 139 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 139 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 139 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David speaks of praising God with a "whole heart." What does that mean? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 138 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 138 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 138 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.  

Psalm 136 may play a special role in the Passover Seder. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 136 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 136 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 136 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 135 references the different groups of people who will come to the Temple, joined in praise of God. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 135 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 135 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 135 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Andrew G. Kaplan. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

A Hebrew phrase has opened the last 15 psalms.  What does it mean? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 134 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 134 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 134 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

How is the famous verse that opens Psalm 133 linked with the other verses contained in it? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 133 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 133 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 133 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 132 describes David's search for the site of the future Temple. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 132 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 132 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 132 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Look On Our Works, Ye Mighty" by Rabbi Soloveichik.

Psalm 131's themes of humility and trust reflect the essence of David's spiritual life. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 131 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 131 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 131 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A famous phrase opens Psalm 130. What does it mean? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 130 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 130 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 130 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

An allusion to part of the plot from the Book of Ruth may be found in our psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 129 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 129 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 129 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A wedding tradition allows us to more deeply understand Psalm 128. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 128 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 128 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 128 in Hebrew and English. Click here to watch "Why Do Jews Do That?" Rabbi Soloveichik's video series on the art of Moritz Daniel Oppenheim. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 127 joins the themes of the Temple and spiritual posterity. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 127 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 127 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 127 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The topography of the land around Jerusalem is transformed into a sublime symbol in this psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 125 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 125 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 125 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The miraculous endurance of the Jewish people is the subject of Psalm 124. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 124 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 124 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 124 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Mark Twain and the Jews" by Cynthia Ozick. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 123 is a striking contrast to Psalm 122, teaching us about the different emotions reflected in the psalms in their entirety. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 123 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 123 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 123 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 122 gives us David's vision of Jerusalem. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 122 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 122 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 122 in Hebrew and English. Click here to view "Paratroopers at the Western Wall" by David Rubinger. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Jean & Roger Harris in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

Some modern commentators persuasively argue that this famous psalm is originally about a journey. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 121 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 121 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 121 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 120 introduces the "Songs of Ascent" and has a seemingly jarring conclusion. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 120 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 120 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 120 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 119 concludes with a surprising ending. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:153-176 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:153-176 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:153-176 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The psalm describes in an intriguing way how one can be near to God in this world. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:136-152 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:136-152 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:136-152 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A beautiful phrase about the luminous nature of the word of God could have a dual meaning. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:121-136 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:121-136 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:121-136 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The psalms describe the Torah as belonging to God, yet Jewish liturgy depicts the Torah as being given. How are these representations to be reconciled? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:113-120 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:113-120 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:113-120 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A fascinating verse describes how the Torah guides everyday life. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:81-112 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:81-112 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:81-112 in Hebrew and English. Click here to watch Rabbi Soloveichik's video on Lincoln from his "Faith and Film" series. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A story of a Jew from early America relates to a term for certain commandments in our psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:49-80 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:49-80 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119:49-80 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The distinct names for certain commandments teach us about the larger symphony that is a life inspired by the Torah. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119, Verses 33-48, in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119, Verses 33-48, in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 119, Verses 33-48, in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The first section of the longest psalm reflects the complexity of the Torah and the way that study sustains Jews throughout the generations. Supplemental Materials:  ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:1-32 in English.  Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 119:1-32 in Hebrew.  Click here to read Psalm 119:1-32 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The psalm speaks of a "rejected" stone. Who is it? Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 118 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 118 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 118 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Elie and Judy Roth and family. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

The complexity of the eschatological vision of the Hebrew Bible is contained in this short psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 117 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 117 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 117 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read Menachem Begin's Nobel Peace Prize speech. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Elie and Judy Roth and family. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

A verse said by many Jews as they prepare for the end of the Sabbath is found in our psalm. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 116 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 116 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 116 in Hebrew and English. Click here to watch Rabbi Soloveichik's video on Moritz Daniel Oppenheim's painting "The Conclusion of the Sabbath." — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Jean & Roger Harris in memory of his parents, Jean & Robert Harris.

Henry V references the opening phrase of our psalm, though not in the most famous section of the play. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 115 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 115 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 115 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read the St Crispin's Day speech from Henry V by William Shakespeare. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Elie and Judy Roth and family. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

Psalm 114 contains a word linked to a contemporary story of Jewish heroism, bravery, and faith. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 114 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 114 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 114 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Agam Berger, the Hostage Who Kept the Sabbath" by Rabbi Soloveichik. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The beginning of wisdom, according to our psalm, is found in something other than reason. Supplemental Materials: ​Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 111 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 111 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 111 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm said to mark miracles concludes with a description of the restoration of Zion. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 113 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 113 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 113 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm about the importance of memory is an apt one to study on Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 112 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 112 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 112 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved family members and in honor of the IDF and the brave soldiers fighting for the Jewish nation. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

A reference to an early king of Jerusalem is seemingly the heart of this psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 110 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 110 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 110 in Hebrew and English. Click here to listen to the "Jerusalem 365" episode about Melchizedek. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Raanan and Nicole Agus in memory of Dr. Saul Agus on his 11th yahrzeit. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

The danger of words wielded to achieve malicious ends is the subject of the psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 109 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 109 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 109 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Confronting Evil" by Yair Rahat. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A Talmudic story about David's "alarm clock" is linked to this psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 108 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 108 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 108 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. This episode of "Poetry & Prayer" is generously sponsored by Andrew G. Kaplan. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of "Poetry & Prayer," we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.

A psalm of thanksgiving is linked to the Pilgrim story. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 107 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 107 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 107 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Thanksgiving: A Jewish Holiday After All" by Dr. Moshe Sokolow. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.