Tehillim (Psalms) are used throughout traditional Jewish worship. Many verses from Tehillim appear throughout our routine prayer. Tehillim, along with some later readings, comprise the introduction (Kabbalat Shabbat) to the Friday night service. Traditionally, a different “Shir Shel Yom” is read after the morning service each day of the week. When a Jew dies, a watch is kept over the body and Tehillim is recited constantly until the burial service.
Many Jews complete the entire book of Tehillim on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition, many Jews, notably Lubavitch chasidim, read the entire Book of Psalms prior to the morning service on the Sabbath preceding the new moon.
The reading of Psalms is viewed in Jewish tradition as a vehicle for gaining God’s favor. They are thus often specially recited in times of trouble, poverty, sickness or physical danger. The reading of Psalms also constitutes a significant part of Christian church worship. What makes the reading of Tehillim so special? Why has it become one of the most popular parts of the liturgy?
Reading through Tehillim, one might imagine that David Hamelech, King David, had it made in life. He is often quoted as praising God and constantly thanking Him for the good things that occurred to him. For example, in Psalm 145, we read, “I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You and I will praise Your name…” One might have thought that King David’s life was a bed of roses. It therefore may come as a surprise that when we read the haftarah of the seventh day of Pesach, we discover that King David’s life was a constant succession of conspiracy, danger and attempts on his life.
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti reminds us that King David had a very difficult life. His father did not think he was born in an honorable manner, for example, and did not acknowledge him as a son. He gave him a menial job tending the sheep alone in the middle of nowhere. King Saul was insanely jealous of him and tried to kill him, after setting him up for failure in the battle with Goliath. The prophet Samuel anointed him as king, yet he had to wait many years before he ascended to the throne. King David had rebellious sons who tried to usurp the throne while he was alive. One of his sons even seduced and raped his stepsister. Life was one challenge after another.
Yet, we read in the haftarah (II Shmuel 22:1-51) how King David is not bitter and cynical. If anything, his attitude is quite the opposite. He is extremely grateful and praises Hashem for the way his life turned out. “With praises I call onto Hashem, and I am saved from my enemies… I will thank You, Hashem, and sing to Your name.” How does one go through a lifetime of hardships and challenges yet sing God’s praises?
The clue to the answer comes from Psalms, Chapter 23:4. King David famously stated, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Notice that King David did not expect that we will live charmed lives with no hardships. Indeed, life may be difficult at times. Many of us may have financial problems, family problems, children who do not live up to our expectations. We may even suffer health problems. We may feel as if we are “walking through the shadow of the valley of death.” God did not promise that we would have no problems in life. However, what keeps us going is when we realize that, even though we are having difficult moments, we are not afraid. We are not discouraged. We remember that God is with us. He will comfort us and help see us through any rough times we experience.
Perhaps when we recite Tehillim we are reassured by David Hamelech that even though we may now be suffering from temporary trials and tribulations, we are to take heart. King David had a very difficult life but yet was able to stay positive by faith. We too need to have emunah, faith in Hashem, and stay encouraged that life events will work out the way they were meant to be.
May we be reminded that while life may have its challenges, we are not alone. God is with us. When we have the proper faith and confidence, Hashem will bless us so that we believe, as did King David, that “surely goodness and loving kindness will follow us all the days of our lives.”
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is acting president of the Chai Riders Motorcycle Club of NY/NJ. He is the coordinator of bikur cholim/chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
