Poetry and Prayer

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.

This psalm's tenor is the opposite of the previous one, but in fact, both of the psalms are meant to be taken together. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 106 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 106 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 106 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The wonders of early Israelite history are described in this psalm, as well as why God brought these miracles about. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 105 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 105 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 105 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 104 is an ode to the natural world and the way in which its intricacy proclaims the glory of God. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 104 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 104 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 104 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "The Darkling Thrush" by Thomas Hardy. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 103 describes the reason for God's forgiveness. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 103 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 103 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 103 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The Jewish love of the stones of Jerusalem is a theme of Psalm 102. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 102 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 102 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 102 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David describes in this psalm how concern for justice and integrity is bound up with his legacy.   Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 101 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 101 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 101 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm said by those giving the thanksgiving offering illustrates one scriptural approach to gratitude. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 100 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 100 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 100 in Hebrew and English. Click here to view "Freedom from Want" by Norman Rockwell. Click here to watch Rabbi Soloveichik's lecture on the "Four Freedoms" paintings. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Understanding the story of Samuel may be central to understanding this psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 99 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 99 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 99 in Hebrew and English. Click here to view an image of the American flag inscribed with verses from the Book of Joshua. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Several instruments are mentioned in this psalm. What do they symbolize? Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 98 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 98 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 98 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The light of God—and possibly our own spiritual light—is a theme of this psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 97 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 97 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 97 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 96 describes the way the experience of sanctity influences our experience of beauty. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 96 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 96 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 96 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Reading Psalm 95 takes us to 16th-century Safed. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 95 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 95 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 95 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 94 addresses wickedness in the world, and also gives us an important description of the God-granted capacity of human beings. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 94 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 94 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 94 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This tiny psalm may be about a cosmic event. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 93 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 93 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 93 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The word "Sabbath" is strikingly absent from most of the psalm of the Sabbath. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 92 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 92 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 92 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm about providential protection speaks to Jewish history and to one rabbi's life. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 91 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 91 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 91 in Hebrew and English. Click here to listen to the first episode of "Poetry and Prayer." — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

One of Lincoln's most famous phrases may be linked to Psalm 90. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 90 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 90 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 90 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read the Gettysburg Address. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 89 reflects on the significance of the story of David and his dynasty. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 89 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 89 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 89 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm expressing pain is linked to an individual described as incredibly wise. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 88 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 88 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 88 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The miraculous nature of Jerusalem and Jewish history is the subject of this psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 87 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 87 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 87 in Hebrew and English. Click here to listen to Rabbi Soloveichik's "Parashah and Politics" episode on Parashat Va'etchanan. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David gives us a reflection on addressing fear in Psalm 86. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 86 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 86 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 86 in Hebrew and English. Click here to watch Rabbi Soloveichik's lecture on "Freedom from Fear" by Norman Rockwell. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Themes of truth, love, righteousness, and peace are all joined in this psalm's description of repentance and forgiveness. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 85 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 85 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 85 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm used by many Jews to introduce the afternoon prayer reveals what prayer in a synagogue means to Jewish tradition. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 84 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 84 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 84 in Hebrew and English. Click here to read "Fear and Joy in Sepharad and Ashkenaz" by Rabbi Soloveichik. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 83 seems to be linked to a righteous king many have forgotten.  Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 83 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 83 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 83 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A speech by Justice Scalia, whose birthday was yesterday, relates to the thesis of this Psalm. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 82 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 82 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 82 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The joining of Rosh Hashanah and the new moon is meant to deepen our understanding of time. Supplemental Materials: Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 81 in English. Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 81 in Hebrew. Click here to read Psalm 81 in Hebrew and English. — "Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.