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Sunday, April 20, 2014

Week 37 (Book 6): Reviewing the Third Week of Sivan - Psalms 109-111; 105:12-14; 89:38



PSALMS (Introductions and Translations from Chabad.org):



Chapter 109
David composed this psalm while fleeing from Saul. At that time he faced many enemies who, despite acting friendly in his presence, spoke only evil of him; he therefore curses them bitterly.
1. For the Conductor, by David, a psalm. O G-d of my praise, be not silent. 2. For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful have opened against me; they spoke to me with a false tongue. 3. They have surrounded me with words of hate, and attacked me without cause. 4. In return for my love they hate me; still, I am [a man of] prayer. 5. They placed harm upon me in return for my favor, and hatred in return for my love. 6. Appoint a wicked man over him; let an adversary stand at his right. 7. When he is judged may he go out condemned; may his prayer be considered a sin. 8. May his days be few; may another take his position. 9. May his children be orphans and his wife a widow. 10. May his children wander about and beg; may they seek charity from amid their ruins. 11. May the creditor seize all that he has, and may strangers plunder [the fruits of] his labor. 12. May he have none who extends him kindness, and may none be gracious to his orphans. 13. May his posterity be cut off; may their name be erased in a later generation. 14. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by the Lord, and the sin of his mother not be erased. 15. May they be before the Lord always, and may He cut off their memory from the earth. 16. Because he did not remember to do kindness, and he pursued the poor and destitute man and the broken-hearted, to kill [him]. 17. He loved the curse and it has come upon him; he did not desire blessing, and it has remained far from him. 18. He donned the curse like his garment, and it came like water into his innards, like oil into his bones. 19. May it be to him like a cloak in which he wraps himself, as a belt with which he girds himself always. 20. This is from the Lord for the deeds of my enemies, and [for] those who speak evil against my soul. 21. And You, G-d, my Lord, do [kindness] with me for the sake of Your Name; for Your kindness is good, rescue me! 22. For I am poor and destitute, and my heart has died within me. 23. Like the fleeting shadow I am banished, I am tossed about like the locust. 24. My knees totter from fasting, and my flesh is lean without fat. 25. And I became a disgrace to them; they see me and shake their heads. 26. Help me, Lord, my G-d, deliver me according to Your kindness. 27. Let them know that this is Your hand, that You, Lord, have done it. 28. Let them curse, but You will bless; they arose, but they will be shamed, and Your servant will rejoice. 29. May my adversaries be clothed in humiliation; may they wrap themselves in their shame as in a cloak. 30. I will thank the Lord profusely with my mouth, and amid the multitude I will praise Him, 31. when He stands at the right of the destitute one to deliver him from the condemners of his soul.
Chapter 110
This psalm records the response of Eliezer, servant of Abraham (to those who asked how Abraham managed to defeat the four kings). He tells of Abraham killing the mighty kings and their armies. Read, and you will discover that the entire psalm refers to Abraham, who merited prominence for recognizing G-d in his youth.
1. By David, a psalm. The Lord said to my master, "Sit at My right, until I make your enemies a stool for your feet.” 2. The staff of your strength the Lord will send from Zion, to rule amid your enemies. 3. Your people [will come] willingly on the day of your campaign; because of your splendid sanctity from when you emerged from the womb, you still possess the dew of your youth. 4. The Lord has sworn and will not regret: "You shall be a priest forever, just as Melchizedek!” 5. My Lord is at your right; He has crushed kings on the day of His fury. 6. He will render judgment upon the nations, and they will be filled with corpses; He will crush heads over a vast land. 7. He will drink from the stream on the way, and so will hold his head high.
Chapter 111
This psalm is written in alphabetical sequence, each verse containing two letters, save the last two verses which contain three letters each. The psalm is short yet prominent, speaking of the works of G-d and their greatness.

1. Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, in the counsel of the upright and the congregation. 2. Great are the works of the Lord, [yet] available to all who desire them. 3. Majesty and splendor are His work, and His righteousness endures forever. 4. He established a memorial for His wonders, for the Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5. He gave food to those who fear Him; He remembered His covenant always. 6. He has declared the power of His deeds to His people, to give them the inheritance of nations. 7. The works of His hands are true and just; all His mandates are faithful. 8. They are steadfast for ever and ever, for they are made with truth and uprightness. 9. He sent redemption to His people, [by] commanding His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His Name. 10. The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord; sound wisdom for all who practice it-his praise endures forever. 



TIKKUN HAKLALI


Chapter 105

12. When they were few in number, hardly dwelling in it.
13. And they walked from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.
14. He let no man oppress them, and He reproved kings on their account.

PSALM 89


38. Like the moon, which is established forever, and it is a witness in the sky, eternally true." 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Week 38 (Book 6): Reviewing the Last Week of Sivan - Psalms 112-114; 105:15-17; 89:39



PSALMS (Introductions and Translations from Chabad.org):


Chapter 112

This psalm, too, follows alphabetical sequence, each verse containing two letters, save the last two which contain three letters each. It speaks of the good traits man should choose, and of how to give charity-the reward for which is never having to rely on others.

1. Praise the Lord! Fortunate is the man who fears the Lord, and desires His commandments intensely. 2. His descendants will be mighty on the earth; he will be blessed with an upright generation. 3. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4. Even in darkness light shines for the upright, for [He is] Compassionate, Merciful, and Just. 5. Good is the man who is compassionate and lends, [but] provides for his own needs with discretion. 6. For he will never falter; the righteous man will be an eternal remembrance. 7. He will not be afraid of a bad tiding; his heart is steadfast, secure in the Lord. 8. His heart is steadfast, he does not fear, until he sees his oppressors [destroyed]. 9. He has distributed [his wealth], giving to the needy. His righteousness will endure forever; his might will be uplifted in honor. 10. The wicked man will see and be angry; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the wish of the wicked will be ruined.


Chapter 113

This psalm recounts some of the wonders of the exodus from Egypt.

1. Praise the Lord! Offer praise, you servants of the Lord; praise the Name of the Lord. 2. May the Name of the Lord be blessed from now and to all eternity. 3. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the Lord is praised. 4. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory transcends the heavens. 5. Who is like the Lord our G-d, Who dwells on high 6. [yet] looks down so low upon heaven and earth! 7. He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the destitute from the dunghill, 8. to seat them with nobles, with the nobles of His people. 9. He transforms the barren woman into a household, into a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Chapter 114

This psalm explains why the tribe of Judah merited kingship.



1. When Israel went out of Egypt, the House of Jacob from a people of a foreign tongue, 2. Judah became His holy [nation], Israel, His domain. 3. The sea saw and fled, the Jordan turned backward. 4. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like young sheep. 5. What is the matter with you, O sea, that you flee; Jordan, that you turn backward; 6. mountains, that you skip like rams; hills, like young sheep? 7. [We do so] before the Master, the Creator of the earth, before the G-d of Jacob, 8. Who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flintstone into a water fountain. 


TIKKUN HAKLALI


Chapter 105


15. "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do not harm My prophets."
16. He called a famine upon the land; He broke every staff of bread.
17. He sent a man before them; Joseph was sold as a slave.

PSALM 89

39. But You abandoned and You rejected; You became wroth with Your anointed.   

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Week 39 (Book 6): Reviewing the Week of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz - Psalms 115-117; 105:18-20; 89:40



PSALMS (Introductions and Translations from Chabad.org):




Chapter 115        

A prayer that G-d bring this long exile to an end, for the sake of His Name-that it not be desecrated.

1. Not for our sake, Lord, not for our sake, but for the sake of Your Name bestow glory, because of Your kindness and Your truth. 2. Why should the nations say, "Where, now, is their G-d?” 3. Indeed, our G-d is in heaven; whatever He desires, He does. 4. Their idols are of silver and gold, the product of human hands. 5. They have a mouth, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 6. they have ears, but cannot hear; they have a nose, but cannot smell; 7. their hands cannot touch; their feet cannot walk; they can make no sound in their throat. 8. Those who make them will become like them-all who put their trust in them. 9. Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 10. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 11. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 12. The Lord who is ever mindful of us, may He bless: May He bless the House of Israel; may He bless the House of Aaron; 13. may He bless those who fear the Lord, the small with the great. 14. May the Lord increase [blessing] upon you, upon you and upon your children. 15. You are blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 16. The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth He gave to the children of man. 17. The dead cannot praise the Lord, nor any who descend into the silence [of the grave]. 18. But we will bless the Lord from now to eternity. Praise the Lord!

Chapter 116
This psalm contains magnificent praises to G-d. It also describes David's love for G-d, in light of all the miracles He performed for him. David does not know how to repay G-d, declaring it impossible to pay back for all G-d has done for him.
1. I would love if the Lord would listen to my voice, to my supplications; 2. if He would turn His ear to me on the days when I call. 3. The pangs of death encompassed me and the misery of the grave came upon me; I encounter trouble and sorrow. 4. I invoke the Name of the Lord, "Lord, I implore you, deliver my soul!” 5. The Lord is gracious and righteous; our G-d is compassionate. 6. The Lord watches over the simpletons; I was brought low, and He saved me. 7. Return, my soul, to your tranquility, for the Lord has bestowed goodness upon you. 8. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. 9. I shall walk before the Lord in the lands of the living. 10. I had faith even when I declared, "I am greatly afflicted"; 11. [even when] I said in my haste, "All men are deceitful.” 12. How can I repay the Lord for all His beneficences to me? 13. I will raise the cup of deliverance and proclaim the Name of the Lord. 14. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. 15. Grievous in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His pious ones. 16. I thank you, Lord, that since I am Your servant, I am Your servant the son of Your maidservant, You have loosened my bonds. 17. To You I will bring an offering of thanksgiving, and proclaim the Name of the Lord. 18. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people, 19. in the courtyards of the House of the Lord, in the midst of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!

Chapter 117

This psalm of two verses alludes to the Messianic era, when the Children of Israel will enjoy their former glory. All will praise G-d, in fulfillment of the verse, "All will then call in the Name of G-d."

1. Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. 2. For His kindness was mighty over us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!



TIKKUN HAKLALI



Chapter 105


18. They afflicted his foot with fetters; his soul was placed in irons.
19. Until His word came, the saying of the Lord purified him.
20. A king sent and released him, a ruler of peoples [sent] and loosed his bonds.

PSALM 89

40. You abrogated the covenant of Your servant; You profaned his crown to the ground.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Week 40 (Book 6): Reviewing the Second Week of Tammuz - Psalms 118-120; 105:21-23; 89:41



PSALMS (Introductions and Translations from Chabad.org):


Chapter 118


This psalm describes David's immense trust in G-d. It also contains many praises to G-d, Who has fulfilled that which He has promised us.


1. Offer praise to the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting. 2. Let Israel declare that His kindness is everlasting. 3. Let the House of Aaron declare that His kindness is everlasting. 4. Let those who fear the Lord declare that His kindness is everlasting. 5. From out of distress I called to G-d; with abounding relief, G-d answered me. 6. The Lord is with me, I do not fear-what can man do to me? 7. The Lord is with me among my helpers, and I will see [the downfall of] my enemies. 8. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in man. 9. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in nobles. 10. All the nations surrounded me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down. 11. They surrounded me, they encompassed me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down. 12. They surrounded me like bees, yet they shall be extinguished like fiery thorns; in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down. 13. You [my foes] repeatedly pushed me to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14. G-d is my strength and song, and He has been a help to me. 15. The sound of rejoicing and deliverance reverberates in the tents of the righteous, "The right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor. 16. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor!” 17. I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of G-d. 18. G-d has indeed chastised me, but He did not give me up to death. 19. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise G-d. 20. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous will enter it. 21. I offer thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have been my deliverance. 22. The stone which the builders scorned has become the chief cornerstone. 23. From the Lord has this come about; it is wondrous in our eyes. 24. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice on it. 25. We implore You, Lord, deliver us. We implore You, Lord, grant us success. 26. Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord; we bless you from the House of the Lord. 27. The Lord is a benevolent G-d and He has given us light; bind the festival offering with cords until [you bring it to] the horns of the altar. 28. You are my G-d and I will praise You, my G-d-and I will exalt You. 29. Praise the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.


Chapter 119

David composed this prominent psalm in alphabetical sequence-eight verses for each letter. Every verse contains one of the following words (referring to different aspects of Torah): Way; Torah; Testimony; Precept; Commandment; Statement (translated here as Word or Promise); Word; Judgment (or Laws); Righteousness; Statute. Replete with morals and prayers, this psalm should be recited daily, as a powerful preparation for the service of G-d. (In verses beginning with one of the letters of the mnemonic PeReTZ BeN DaMaH, the word "עדותיך" is pronounced "eidvotecha.")

1. Fortunate are those whose way is artless, who walk with the Torah of the Lord. 2. Fortunate are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with all their hearts. 3. Indeed, they have not done iniquity; they walk in His ways. 4. You have commanded Your precepts to be observed diligently. 5. My wish is that my ways be directed to keep Your statutes. 6. Then I will not be ashamed, when I behold all Your commandments. 7. I will give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. 8. I will keep Your statutes; do not utterly forsake me 9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By observing Your word. 10. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. 11. I have harbored Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. 12. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. 13. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. 14. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as I would with all riches. 15. I will speak of Your precepts, and gaze upon Your ways. 16. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. 17. Deal kindly with Your servant, that I may live to keep Your word. 18. Unveil my eyes, that I may behold wonders from Your Torah. 19. I am a sojourner on earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. 20. My soul is crushed with a longing for Your judgments every moment. 21. You have rebuked the accursed scoffers, those who stray from Your commandments. 22. Remove insult and contempt from me, for I have kept Your testimonies. 23. Though princes sat and spoke against me, Your servant speaks of Your statutes. 24. Indeed, Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counsellors. 25. My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me in accordance with Your word. 26. I have spoken of my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes. 27. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, and I will speak of Your wonders. 28. My soul drips away out of grief; sustain me according to Your word. 29. Remove from me the way of falsehood, and graciously endow me with Your Torah. 30. I have chosen the way of faith; Your judgments have I laid before me. 31. I held fast to Your testimonies, O Lord; put me not to shame. 32. I will run on the path of Your commandments, for You will broaden my heart. 33. Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the last. 34. Grant me understanding and I will keep Your Torah; I will observe it with all my heart. 35. Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for that is my desire. 36. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to greed. 37. Avert my eyes from seeing vanity; by Your ways give me life. 38. Fulfill for Your servant Your promise, which brings to the fear of You. 39. Remove my shame which I fear, for Your judgments are good. 40. Behold, I have longed for Your precepts; give me life in Your righteousness. 41. And let Your kindness come to fruition for me, O Lord, Your salvation as You promised. 42. I will offer a retort to those who taunt me, for I trust in Your word. 43. Do not at all remove the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope [to fulfill] Your judgments. 44. I will keep Your Torah continually, for ever and ever. 45. And I will walk in spacious paths, for I seek Your precepts. 46. I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed. 47. And I will delight in Your commandments, which I love. 48. I will lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I will speak of Your statutes. 49. Remember the word [promised] to Your servant, by which You gave me hope. 50. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life. 51. [Though] the wicked ridicule me severely, I have not strayed from Your Torah. 52. When I remember Your judgments of old, O Lord, I take comfort. 53. Trembling seized me because of the wicked, those who forsake Your Torah. 54. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my wanderings. 55. At night I remembered Your Name, O Lord, and I kept Your Torah. 56. All this came to me because I kept Your precepts. 57. The Lord is my portion; I pledged to keep Your words. 58. I pleaded before You with all my heart: have compassion upon me according to Your word. 59. I contemplated my ways, and returned my feet to Your testimonies. 60. I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments. 61. Bands of wicked men plundered me, [but] I did not forget Your Torah. 62. At midnight, I rise to thank You for Your righteous judgments. 63. I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. 64. Your kindness, O Lord, fills the earth; teach me Your statutes. 65. You have dealt goodness to Your servant, O Lord, in accord with Your promise. 66. Teach me the goodness and wisdom of the [Torah's] reasons, for I believe in Your commandments. 67. Before I afflicted myself, I would blunder; but now I observe Your word. 68. You are good and benevolent; teach me Your statutes. 69. The wicked have smeared me with lies, [when in truth] I keep Your precepts with all my heart. 70. Their hearts grew thick as fat; but as for me, Your Torah is my delight. 71. It is for my good that I was afflicted, so that I might learn Your statutes. 72. The Torah of Your mouth is better for me than thousands in gold and silver. 73. Your hands have made me and prepared me; grant me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74. Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, because I hoped in Your word. 75. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are just; righteously have You afflicted me. 76. Let Your kindness be my comfort, as You promised to Your servant. 77. Let Your mercies come upon me, that I may live, for Your Torah is my delight. 78. Let the scoffers be shamed, for they have maligned me with falsehood; but I will meditate upon Your precepts. 79. May those who fear You return to me, and those who know Your testimonies. 80. May my heart be perfect in Your statutes, so that I not be shamed. 81. My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope for Your word. 82. My eyes long for Your promise, saying, "When will You comfort me?” 83. Though I became [dried out] like a wineskin in smoke, I did not forget Your statutes. 84. How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment upon my pursuers? 85. The wicked have dug pits for me, in violation of Your Torah. 86. All Your commandments teach truth, [yet] they pursue me with lies, help me! 87. They nearly consumed me upon the earth, but I did not forsake Your precepts. 88. As befits Your kindness, grant me life, and I will keep the testimony of Your mouth. 89. Forever, O Lord, Your word stands firm in the heavens. 90. Your faithfulness persists for all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. 91. They stand ready today [to execute] Your judgments, for all are Your servants. 92. Had Your Torah not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93. Never will I forget Your precepts, for through them You have sustained me. 94. I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts. 95. The wicked hope to destroy me, but I meditate upon Your testimonies. 96. To every goal I have seen a limit, but Your commandment is immensely broad. 97. O how I love Your Torah! All day it is my discussion. 98. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. 99. From all my teachers I have gained wisdom, for Your testimonies are my discussion. 100. I will be more perceptive than elders, because I have guarded Your precepts. 101. I have restrained my feet from every evil path, that I might keep Your word. 102. I have not turned away from Your judgments, for You have instructed me. 103. How sweet are Your words to my palate, [sweeter] than honey to my mouth! 104. From Your precepts I gain understanding, therefore I hate every path of falsehood. 105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106. I have sworn-and I will fulfill it-to keep Your righteous judgments. 107. I am afflicted to the extreme; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your promise. 108. Accept with favor, O Lord, the offerings of my lips, and teach me Your laws. 109. My soul is in danger always, yet I have not forgotten Your Torah. 110. The wicked laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. 111. I have taken Your testimonies as an eternal heritage, for they are the joy of my heart. 112. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, forever, to the last. 113. I despise vain thoughts, but I love Your Torah. 114. You are my refuge and my shield; I place hope in Your promise. 115. Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I will keep the commandments of my G-d. 116. Support me according to Your promise, and I will live; let me not be shamed because of my hope. 117. Sustain me, and I will be saved, and I will be engrossed in Your statutes always. 118. You trample all who stray from Your statutes, for their ploy is a lie. 119. You have purged all the wicked of the earth like dross, therefore I love Your testimonies. 120. My flesh bristles from fear of You, and I am in awe of Your judgments. 121. I practiced justice and righteousness; leave me not to my oppressors. 122. Guarantee Your servant goodness; let not the wicked exploit me. 123. My eyes long for Your salvation, and for the word of Your righteousness. 124. Treat Your servant according to Your kindness, and teach me Your statutes. 125. I am Your servant; grant me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. 126. It is time to act for the Lord; they have abrogated Your Torah. 127. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even fine gold. 128. Therefore I affirmed all Your precepts; I have hated every path of falsehood. 129. Your testimonies are wondrous, therefore does my soul guard them. 130. Your opening words illuminate, enlightening the simple. 131. I opened my mouth and swallowed, because I craved Your commandments. 132. Turn to me and favor me, as is [Your] law for those who love Your Name. 133. Set my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity rule over me. 134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, and I will keep Your precepts. 135. Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. 136. My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Your Torah. 137. Righteous are you, O Lord, and Your judgments are upright. 138. You commanded Your testimonies in righteousness and great faithfulness. 139. My zeal consumes me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. 140. Your word is very pure, and Your servant cherishes it. 141. I am young and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Torah is truth. 143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet Your commandments are my delight. 144. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding, that I may live. 145. I call out with all my heart; answer me, O Lord; I will keep Your statutes. 146. I call out to You; save me, and I will observe Your testimonies. 147. I rose before dawn and cried out; my hope is in Your word. 148. My eyes preceded the night watches, that I may discuss Your word. 149. Hear my voice in keeping with Your kindness; O Lord, grant me life as is Your practice. 150. Those who pursue mischief draw near; they are far from Your Torah. 151. You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth. 152. From the beginning I discerned from Your testimonies that You had established them forever. 153. Behold my affliction and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your Torah. 154. Wage my battle and redeem me; grant me life for the sake of Your word. 155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they seek not Your statutes. 156. Your mercies are great, O Lord; grant me life as is Your practice. 157. My pursuers and my enemies are many, yet I did not turn away from Your testimonies. 158. I saw traitors and I quarreled with them, because they do not keep Your words. 159. Behold how I love Your precepts; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your kindness. 160. The beginning of Your word is truth, and forever are all Your righteous judgments. 161. Princes have pursued me without cause, but it is Your word my heart fears. 162. I rejoice at Your word, like one who finds abundant spoil. 163. I hate falsehood and abhor it, but Your Torah I love. 164. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments. 165. There is abundant peace for those who love Your Torah, and there is no stumbling for them. 166. I hoped for Your salvation, O Lord, and I performed Your commandments. 167. My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them intensely. 168. I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You 169. Let my prayer approach Your presence, O Lord; grant me understanding according to Your word. 170. Let my supplication come before You; save me according to Your promise. 171. My lips will utter praise, for You have taught me Your statutes. 172. My tongue will echo Your word, for all Your commandments are just. 173. Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. 174. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your Torah is my delight. 175. Let my soul live, and it will praise You, and let Your judgment help me. 176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

Chapter 120

This psalm rebukes slanderers, describing how the deadly effect of slander reaches even further than weapons.

1. A song of ascents. I have called out to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me. 2. O Lord, rescue my soul from the lips of falsehood, from a deceitful tongue. 3. What can He give you, and what [further restraint] can He add to you, O deceitful tongue? 4. [You resemble] the sharp arrows of a mighty one, and the coals of broom-wood.1 5. Woe unto me that I sojourned among Meshech, that I dwelt beside the tents of Kedar. 6. Too long has my soul dwelt among those who hate peace. 7. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.



TIKKUN HAKLALI


Chapter 105

21. He made him the master of his household and the ruler over all his possessions.
22. To bind up his princes with his soul, and he made his elders wise.
23. Israel came to Egypt, and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

PSALM 89

 41. You breached all his fences; You made his fortifications a ruin.    

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Week 41 (Book 6): Reviewing the Third Week of Tammuz - Psalms 121-123; 105:24-26; 89:42

PSALMS (Introductions and Translations from Chabad.org):




Chapter 121
This psalm alludes to the Lower Paradise, from which one ascends to the Higher Paradise. It also speaks of how G-d watches over us.
1. A song of ascents. I lift my eyes to the mountains-from where will my help come? 2. My help will come from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. 3. He will not let your foot falter; your guardian does not slumber. 4. Indeed, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. 5. The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your protective shade at your right hand. 6. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7. The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul. 8. The Lord will guard your going and your coming from now and for all time.

Chapter 122
The psalmist sings the praises of Jerusalem and tells of the miracles that happened there.
1. A song of ascents by David. I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to the House of the Lord.” 2. Our feet were standing within your gates, O Jerusalem; 3. Jerusalem that is built like a city in which [all Israel] is united together. 4. For there the tribes went up, the tribes of G-d-as enjoined upon Israel-to offer praise to the Name of the Lord. 5. For there stood the seats of justice, the thrones of the house of David. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you have peace. 7. May there be peace within your walls, serenity within your mansions. 8. For the sake of my brethren and friends, I ask that there be peace within you. 9. For the sake of the House of the Lord our G-d, I seek your well-being.

Chapter 123
The psalmist laments the length of time we have already suffered in exile.
1. A song of ascents. To You have I lifted my eyes, You Who are enthroned in heaven. 2. Indeed, as the eyes of servants are turned to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so are our eyes turned to the Lord our G-d, until He will be gracious to us. 3. Be gracious to us, Lord, be gracious to us, for we have been surfeited with humiliation. 4. Our soul has been overfilled with the derision of the complacent, with the scorn of the arrogant.


TIKKUN HAKLALI



Chapter 105


24. And He made His people very fruitful, and He made it stronger than its adversaries.

25. He turned their heart to hate His people, to plot against His servants.

26. He sent Moses His servant, [and] Aaron whom He chose.


PSALM 89


42. All wayfarers have plundered him; he was a disgrace to his neighbors.  
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