Passover and the Crisis of Jewish Identity
3 min read
I have several frustrating issues going on in life today, as well as a relative who is really not well. I’d like to recite Tehillim. Is there a recommended list I should say?
I hope your issues clear up very soon. It’s always a good idea to say Tehillim in times of need. All of them are good and meaningful, but some are especially relevant in trying times.
Before I provide the lists, it’s important to know that the psalms themselves are not prayers. They are only moving verses. Thus, when you have a need, it is not sufficient to recite any of the lists below. You must conclude with a request in what merit the recitation should be. The prayer can be in your own words and language. Most Hebrew editions of Tehillim include prayers to be said when one concludes his recitation, especially ones said for an ill person. Reciting Tehillim is thus not a prayer in itself, but makes our subsequent prayers more effective – both because of the merit of reciting Torah verses, and because their stirring words will inspire us to pray better.
Below I list some commonly recommended lists (listing the chapter numbers):
The following list includes Psalms particularly relevant when Israel or Jews are in danger:
13, 20, 79, 80, 83, 91, 121, 130, 142
20, 6, 9, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 28, 30-33, 37-39, 41, 49, 55, 56, 69, 86, 88-91, 102-104, 107, 116, 118, 142, 143, 148
A shorter alternative is: 20, 30, 121, 130, 142
Afterwards, the Hebrew name of the ill person is spelled out from the verses of chapter 119. Ch. 119 is an acrostic, containing eight verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus, for each letter of the person’s name, the eight relevant verses are recited. Some additionally spell out the word ben/bat (son or daughter of) and the mother’s Hebrew name, as well as the Hebrew words “kara satan” – “tear Satan” – implying that the sick person’s negative decree should be annulled.
33, 16, 17, 72, 91, 104, 130
Afterwards, the person’s Hebrew named is spelled out from the verses of 119, concluding with the word “neshama” (soul) = nun-shin-mem-hai.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was the founder of the Breslov Hassidic movement, and considered one of the greatest Hassidic masters. He recommended saying the following ten chapters to undo the spiritual damage caused by sin, especially the sin of wasting seed:
16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150
There are additional prayers Breslov Hassidim say together with them.
This is a recommended list when one is looking for work, or needs greater financial stability:
23, 104, 128, 145
It's also a good idea to add to this from the all-purpose list below.
The following is a good general list for times of need (of course, any part of it is fine). Some of the most powerful ones are in bold:
3, 6, 13, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 32, 41, 42, 51, 56, 59, 70, 77, 86, 88, 90, 102, 121, 128, 130, 137, 142, 143, 150
→ Ask the Rabbi a Question ← Click here to comment on this article
Are there specific chapters to say when a person is in a
very difficult situation and he wants to see miracles?
Here is a good list for acknowledging that God can care for our needs, even through miracles, and praying that He does so:
1, 13, 23, 41, 77, 102, 103, 130
Rabbi, you state that the Psalms themselves are not prayers but only moving verses. Could the Psalms be G-d's prediction of the nation's wars against Israel today?
Psalms 118:10-12, “All nations have beset me; by the name of the LORD I will surely cut them down. They beset me, they surround me; by the name of the LORD I will surely cut them down. They have beset me like bees; they shall be extinguished like burning thorns; by the name of the LORD I will surely cut them down.”
Is G-d about to break His covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their future progeny as numerous as the sands of the seas?
Well, King David was writing from personal experience - of the victories he clearly merited through God's help. But certainly we can turn to the same God today and wish David's victories foreshadow many present and future ones.
Rabbi, can you help me understand the meaning in Psalms 12:2-5 saying, “Help, O LORD! For the faithful are no more; the loyal have vanished from among men. Men speak lies to one another; their speech is smooth; they talk with duplicity. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, every tongue that speaks arrogance. They say, “By our tongues, we shall prevail with lips such as ours. Who can be our master?”
Who are the unfaithful who speak lies to one another?
Most of the commentators understand that David was talking about his contemporaries - about people such as Doeg who betrayed him to King Saul. But as always, the words of Tehillim have an eternal scope, and we can see their relevance in many other ages. King David seems to have purposely written Psalms generically, not tying down his words to his personal situation alone.