During Elul, we include Psalm 27 in our prayers. Line 4 is most familiar, performed by the incomparable Chava Mirel and translated by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat:
Only one thing do I ask of You, Yah:
Just this alone do I seek, I want to be at home with you, Yah,
All the days of my life.
I want to delight in seeing You.
Seeing You when I come to visit You in Your temple.
Shabbat Shalom
As the High Holidays approach, this lovely prayer sung by the incomparable Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue Synagogue fills our hearts.
The line comes from Psalm 27, shared throughout the month of Elul in preparation for the Holidays.
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Tradition asks us to recite Psalm 27 during the month of Elul as we prepare for the High Holidays.
I share the following beautiful translation of the psalm by Rabbi Yael Levy, on Congregation Mishkan Shalom, Philadelphia
TO THE BELOVED,
THE INFINITE PRESENCE is my light and expanse, whom should I fear?
The Infinite Presence is the strength of my life, what shall I dread?
When forces come close
Seeming to devour me
When narrowness threatens
And opposition attacks
All that is menacing stumbles and falls
EVEN AS AN ARMY of mistrust besieges me
My heart does not fear
Even as thoughts and desires rise up against me
I still have trust
ONE THING I ASK of the Infinite, One thing I seek
To dwell in the Presence all the days of my life
To awaken to the beauty of each moment as I pass through this world
THE INFINITE shelters me as I encounter difficulty and pain
The Infinite holds me close in deep and hidden places
And lifts me high upon a rock. Now I can see through to what is true
And I will offer my gifts of thanks
And I will sing and make music to the Eternal
Please, Infinite One, Listen to my voice, hear my call
BE GRACIOUS WITH ME
Answer me
You call to my heart, “Seek my presence”
Your presence I seek
Please don’t hide from me
Please don’t let me turn away in anger
I long to serve
You are my help
Do not let me feel abandoned
Do not let me turn away
In You I am safe
For my Mother and father have left me
And it is you who gathers me in
Teach me Your ways. Guide me on the path of integrity
THERE IS SO MUCH to lead me astray
Don’t let me give in to all that torments me:
the lies, the illusions, the menacing threats
I MUST HAVE FAITH that I can see through all of this
I can see the good, the blessings, the ways of life
CULTIVATE HOPE in the Infinite Presence
Let your heart be strong and filled with courage
CULTIVATE HOPE
– Translation by Rabbi Yael Levy
