Jewish Relationships Initiative

Tag: psalm 27

  • Psalm 27 is added to our prayers during Elul and through the chagim.

    We prepare ourselves for this special time with the prayer that we might dwell in the house of the Divine.  May your experience this season be meaningful, filled with reflection, repentance, and renewal.

    Thanks to Chava Mirel for this beautiful rendition of Psalm 27:4.

    Shabbat Shalom

    #BringThemHomeNow

     

  • Shabbat Shalom

    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

  • 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.

     

  • A Psalm for Elul- Psalm 27

    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

     

     

    Ps27