Verse

Luke 12:15 - 21 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, Talmud and The Midrash

 

TorahMishnahGemaraTalmud 
and The Midrash


Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, and Talmud are all essential components of Jewish religious texts and tradition, but they serve different purposes and are distinct in their content and development. Below is an explanation of each and how they differ:


1. Torah

  • Meaning: The term "Torah" means "instruction" or "law" in Hebrew. It is the foundational text of Judaism.
  • Content:
    • Refers specifically to the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (also called the Pentateuch).
    • It contains the written law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, including narratives, commandments, and instructions for the Jewish people.
  • Purpose:
    • Serves as the written basis for Jewish laws and ethics.
    • It is read publicly in synagogues and is considered the holiest text in Judaism.

2. Mishnah

  • Meaning: The word "Mishnah" means "repetition" in Hebrew, reflecting its purpose as an oral teaching.
  • Content:
    • It is a compilation of the Oral Torah (oral traditions) written down around 200 CE by Rabbi Judah the Prince.
    • Organized into six "orders" (sedarim), it covers laws and regulations on agriculture, festivals, marriage, civil law, sacrifices, and purity.
  • Purpose:
    • The Mishnah provides a detailed explanation of how to apply the Torah's laws in daily life.
    • It was written to preserve oral traditions that were at risk of being forgotten due to historical upheaval, such as the destruction of the Second Temple.

3. Gemara

  • Meaning: The word "Gemara" means "completion" or "study" in Aramaic.
  • Content:
    • The Gemara is a collection of rabbinical discussions, debates, and commentary on the Mishnah.
    • It includes analysis, explanations, and expansions of the Mishnah, as well as discussions on theology, ethics, and philosophy.
    • There are two versions of the Gemara:
      1. Jerusalem Talmud (Talmud Yerushalmi): Compiled in the Land of Israel (circa 4th century CE).
      2. Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli): Compiled in Babylonia (circa 5th–6th century CE); it is more comprehensive and authoritative in Jewish tradition.

4. Talmud

  • Meaning: The word "Talmud" means "study" or "learning" in Hebrew.
  • Content:
    • The Talmud is the combination of the Mishnah (oral law) and the Gemara (commentary on the Mishnah).
    • It is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source for Jewish religious law (Halakha).
    • The Talmud exists in two versions:
      1. Jerusalem Talmud: Shorter and less detailed; developed in Israel.
      2. Babylonian Talmud: Longer, more detailed, and considered more authoritative.
  • Purpose:
    • The Talmud is a comprehensive guide to Jewish law and practice, providing detailed explanations and applications of the Torah and the Mishnah.
    • It serves as a cornerstone for Jewish education and legal interpretation.

Summary of Differences

TextMeaningContentPurposeDate
Torah"Instruction" or "Law"First five books of the BibleWritten law; foundation of Judaism~13th century BCE
Mishnah"Repetition"Oral Torah written downExplanation of how to apply the Torah~200 CE
Gemara"Completion" or "Study"Commentary and discussions on the MishnahExpounds on Mishnah; includes ethics, laws~4th–6th century CE
Talmud"Study" or "Learning"Mishnah + GemaraCentral text for Jewish law and tradition~4th–6th century CE

Each of these texts builds on the other, reflecting the evolution of Jewish thought and legal tradition over centuries.


The Midrash

The Midrash is another important Jewish literary work, distinct yet complementary to the Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, and Talmud. It primarily focuses on the interpretation and expansion of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), particularly the Torah, through stories, parables, and exegesis. Here’s an overview of the Midrash and how it differs from the other texts:


Midrash

  • Meaning: The word "Midrash" comes from the Hebrew root "darash" (דָּרַש), meaning "to seek" or "to inquire," which reflects its purpose of seeking deeper meanings from the scriptures.
  • Content:
    • Midrash refers to a collection of Jewish biblical interpretations, primarily focused on filling in gaps in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible and offering moral or theological lessons.
    • It includes explanations, elaborations, and teachings on specific verses of the Torah and other books of the Tanakh (like the Prophets and Writings).
    • Midrash can be classified into two main types:
      1. Midrash Aggadah: Deals with the narrative, ethical, and theological teachings found in the Scriptures, often using allegory, parables, and stories to elucidate a moral lesson.
      2. Midrash Halakhah: Focuses on legal interpretations and the application of Jewish law derived from the Bible, specifically focusing on the commandments (mitzvot).
  • Purpose:
    • The Midrash aims to provide deeper insights into biblical stories and laws, answering questions or clarifying difficult passages.
    • It often seeks to harmonize apparent contradictions in the text, address perceived gaps in the narrative, and present spiritual or moral lessons for the community.
    • It serves as a theological tool for understanding the intentions of the Torah and providing context for Jewish beliefs and practices.

Key Differences from the Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, and Talmud:

TextMeaningFocusContentPurpose
Midrash"Inquiry" or "Interpretation"Biblical interpretation and commentaryExpands on Torah and other biblical texts, often using stories, parables, or legal interpretationsTo explain, expound, and provide lessons or clarification on scripture
Torah"Instruction" or "Law"Foundation of Jewish law and narrativeThe first five books of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy)The written law given to Moses and the foundation of Jewish life
Mishnah"Repetition"Oral traditions and lawsLegal teachings and practicesTo preserve and codify Jewish oral law
Gemara"Completion" or "Study"Commentary on the MishnahDiscussions and expansions of the MishnahTo clarify and explain the Mishnah’s teachings
Talmud"Study" or "Learning"Mishnah + GemaraCompilation of the Mishnah and GemaraComprehensive legal and ethical guidelines for Jewish life

Characteristics of the Midrash:

  1. Exegesis and Elaboration: The Midrash offers detailed commentary on individual biblical verses, exploring their hidden meanings and possible implications. It often fills in gaps in the narrative (for example, expanding on the lives of biblical characters or explaining cryptic details).

  2. Aggadic and Halakhic Approaches:

    • Aggadic Midrash focuses on moral teachings and stories that explain or illustrate biblical teachings. It often includes folklore, parables, and imaginative explanations that are not directly found in the biblical text.
    • Halakhic Midrash is concerned with legal aspects, providing detailed discussions on the interpretation and application of commandments from the Torah.
  3. Creative and Symbolic Interpretation: Midrash often employs allegory, metaphor, and symbolism to offer deeper insights. For example, an event in the Torah might be interpreted symbolically to reveal moral or spiritual truths that apply to the lives of Jewish people.

  4. Ethical and Theological Lessons: Many Midrashic teachings aim to offer moral lessons and to explain the reasons behind Jewish rituals and commandments, thus encouraging righteous living in accordance with God’s will.


Notable Midrashic Collections:

  • Midrash Rabbah: One of the most famous and comprehensive collections of Midrash, it is a collection of commentaries on the Torah and the Five Megillot (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther).

  • Tanna Devei Eliyahu: A collection of teachings attributed to Elijah the Prophet, focusing on Jewish ethics and the Torah’s deeper meanings.

  • Pesikta de-Rav Kahana: A Midrashic work focused on the festival readings in the Jewish liturgy, explaining their connection to the Torah portions read during Jewish festivals.

  • Zohar: Though often considered part of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), the Zohar includes Midrashic elements in its interpretations, especially in its mystical approach to Torah verses.


Summary:

While the Torah is the written law, the Midrash offers a rich, interpretive tradition, seeking to understand, explain, and expand on the Torah and other parts of the Tanakh. The Midrash can be seen as a supplement to the written law, providing context, stories, moral teachings, and legal interpretations that help the Jewish community understand their sacred texts and how to live according to them.


Prepared by: 

Rev Rolando E Santiago   MDiv, ThD,  DMin
President -  EagleNest Christian Academy

Man's Search for Meaning - a Book Review

Man's Search for Meaning 



Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound memoir and psychological treatise written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. The book is divided into two main parts:


Part 1: Frankl's Experiences in Nazi Concentration Camps

Frankl recounts his harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz and other concentration camps during World War II. He describes the unimaginable physical and psychological suffering endured by inmates, including the dehumanization, starvation, forced labor, and loss of loved ones. Frankl reveals how, in such extreme conditions, people responded differently to suffering, and their attitudes often determined their ability to survive.

Despite the atrocities, Frankl noticed that those who found meaning or purpose in their suffering were more resilient and had a greater will to live. He reflects on moments of beauty and humanity that survived even in the camps—such as small acts of kindness, humor, or thinking about loved ones—which offered glimpses of hope and meaning.


Part 2: Logotherapy: The Search for Meaning

Frankl introduces his psychotherapeutic approach, logotherapy, which centers on the premise that the primary human drive is not pleasure (as Freud argued) or power (as Adler argued) but the pursuit of meaning.

He outlines three main ways people can find meaning in life:

  1. Through Work or Achievement: Engaging in tasks that fulfill a purpose.
  2. Through Love: Deep emotional connections to others and valuing relationships.
  3. Through Suffering: Transforming suffering into a source of growth by finding meaning in pain.

Frankl emphasizes that meaning is personal and cannot be dictated by others; it must be discovered individually based on life’s circumstances.


Main Learnings from the Book

  1. The Will to Meaning:

    • Unlike Freud's idea of the "will to pleasure" or Adler's "will to power," Frankl posits that humans are fundamentally motivated by the "will to meaning." People thrive when they find a purpose to live for.
  2. Freedom of Choice in Any Circumstance:

    • Even in the worst conditions, humans retain the freedom to choose their attitude. Frankl writes, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
  3. Suffering Can Be Meaningful:

    • While suffering is inevitable in life, what matters is how one responds to it. By finding meaning in suffering, people can endure and grow from their trials.
  4. Purpose Comes From Contribution:

    • Meaning can be found in serving others, accomplishing goals, or dedicating oneself to a cause greater than oneself.
  5. Love Is Transformational:

    • Love enables people to transcend their circumstances. Frankl often thought about his wife while in the camps, and this mental connection gave him strength and a reason to survive.
  6. Each Person’s Meaning is Unique:

    • Life's meaning is not universal but is shaped by each individual’s experiences, values, and choices. It must be discovered personally.
  7. The Importance of Hope:

    • Frankl noted that those who gave up hope often succumbed to despair and death. Hope and faith in a future goal provided psychological strength and a will to live.

Key Quote from the Book

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

This reflects Frankl's core belief that while external circumstances may be beyond our control, our inner responses and the search for meaning remain within our power.


Impact of the Book

Man's Search for Meaning has inspired millions worldwide to find purpose in their lives, especially in times of hardship. It encourages readers to approach suffering with courage, maintain a sense of hope, and discover meaning through love, work, and resilience. The book remains a timeless exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome and thrive.

Without a context greater than Itself, Life can have no purpose

 "Without a context greater than Itself, 
Life can have no Purpose,"




1. The Search for Purpose

Human beings naturally seek meaning and purpose in their lives. If life is lived solely for itself—focusing on personal desires, achievements, or survival—there is no enduring or transcendent goal. Such a self-contained existence may feel hollow, as it lacks a connection to a higher framework of significance.


2. The Role of a Greater Context

A "greater context" can refer to various transcendent dimensions:

  • Spirituality and Faith: Belief in God or a higher power provides an overarching purpose that guides values, ethics, and decisions. For example, faith traditions often teach that life is meant to serve, worship, and reflect the Creator, providing eternal significance.
  • Service to Others: Living for the good of others, a community, or humanity offers a sense of fulfillment that transcends selfish interests. Purpose is found in contributing to the well-being of the world around us.
  • Cosmic Perspective: Recognizing one's smallness in the vastness of the universe yet embracing the idea that life is interconnected and meaningful within that grand scope gives life purpose.

Without this context, life risks being reduced to a series of random events or a pursuit of temporary pleasures, with no lasting meaning.


3. Biblical Perspective

The Bible provides a clear context greater than oneself:

  • Created for God's Glory:
    "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7, KJV)
    Life is meaningful when it aligns with the Creator's purpose, which is to glorify Him and fulfill His will.
  • Eternal Perspective:
    "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26, KJV)
    This verse highlights that purpose rooted in temporal gains is fleeting, but eternal values endure.
  • Living for the Kingdom of God:
    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33, KJV)
    Purpose is realized when life is aligned with God's eternal kingdom and righteousness.


4. Philosophical Implications

Philosophers have long debated the necessity of a greater context:

  • Existentialism: Without a larger purpose, life risks falling into nihilism, where nothing has inherent meaning. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche recognized this and emphasized the need to create meaning, even in a godless universe.
  • Theistic Perspective: In contrast, thinkers like C.S. Lewis argued that human desires for meaning, love, and eternity suggest the existence of a transcendent reality. He famously wrote, "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world."

5. Practical Application

Living within a context greater than oneself:

  • Provides Direction: It helps individuals understand their purpose and live with intentionality.
  • Fosters Resilience: A higher context gives strength in the face of suffering, knowing that trials have meaning within a larger story.
  • Builds Legacy: People are motivated to live in ways that leave a positive, lasting impact on future generations or eternity.

Conclusion

Without a greater context, life becomes self-referential and lacks enduring significance. By connecting to something beyond oneself—be it God, a divine plan, the good of others, or the greater cosmic story—life gains meaning, direction, and purpose. 

As the Apostle Paul wrote:
“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36, KJV)

Life, therefore, finds its ultimate purpose in alignment with the Creator’s eternal design.


The Seven Universal Principles

 

A Code for Humanity: 
The Seven Universal Principles 
Based on the Laws of Noah

Purpose of the Code

This Code for Humanity is a universal moral framework meant to guide individuals and societies toward justice, peace, and ethical living. It transcends cultural and religious boundaries, reminding all people of their shared duty to uphold the dignity of life and the sanctity of creation. By adhering to these principles, humanity can build a harmonious and sustainable future rooted in mutual respect and accountability.

  1. Respect and Worship the One True God
    Acknowledge and honor the Creator of all things. Refrain from idolatry and the worship of false gods. Live with reverence for the divine source of life, promoting spiritual truth and unity.

  2. Respect the Sanctity of Life
    Uphold the value of every human life. Do not commit murder or acts of violence. Protect and preserve life, fostering peace and compassion toward others.

  3. Respect Family and Moral Integrity
    Honor the sacredness of relationships. Avoid acts of immorality, particularly those that destroy the family unit or defile the dignity of others. Promote faithfulness, love, and respect within families and communities.

  4. Establish Justice and Fairness
    Build a just and equitable society by creating systems of law and governance. Ensure fairness, accountability, and impartiality in resolving disputes. Advocate for the protection of the vulnerable and the punishment of wrongdoing.

  5. Respect Others’ Property and Rights
    Do not steal or take what belongs to others. Uphold honesty and integrity in all dealings. Value and respect the possessions and rights of others as essential to a harmonious society.

  6. Treat Animals Humanely
    Show kindness to all living creatures. Do not cause unnecessary suffering to animals, particularly when using them for sustenance. Recognize the interconnectedness of all life and act responsibly toward the environment.

  7. Pursue Moral Responsibility
    Avoid committing acts of evil or injustice in any form. Cultivate an ethical conscience and strive to live a life of righteousness, humility, and kindness. Take responsibility for your actions and seek to do good in the world.



Analysis:

The Seven Laws of Noah are a set of moral principles derived from Jewish tradition, specifically from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a-b). They are considered universal ethical standards given by God to Noah after the flood, intended for all humanity. These laws serve as the foundation for a righteous and moral society. Below is an elaboration of each law:


1. Prohibition of Idolatry

  • Principle: Acknowledging and worshiping the one true God.
  • Explanation: This law forbids worshiping false gods or idols. Humanity is called to recognize the sovereignty of the Creator and reject any practice or belief that attributes divine power to anything other than the Almighty.
  • Application: Avoidance of superstitious practices, polytheism, or attributing divinity to material objects or humans.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)
  • "The LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king." (Jeremiah 10:10)

2. Prohibition of Blasphemy

  • Principle: Respecting God's name and not speaking of Him disrespectfully.
  • Explanation: This law emphasizes the sanctity of God's name, forbidding the use of His name in vain, mockery, or curses.
  • Application: Upholding reverence for God in speech, avoiding profanity, and honoring His holiness.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain." (Exodus 20:7)
  • "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

3. Prohibition of Murder

  • Principle: Valuing human life as sacred, created in the image of God.
  • Explanation: This law forbids the taking of innocent life. It acknowledges that life belongs to God and that each human has inherent worth and dignity.
  • Application: Avoiding violence, protecting human life, and fostering peace.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." (Genesis 9:6)
  • "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13)

4. Prohibition of Sexual Immorality

  • Principle: Maintaining moral purity in relationships.
  • Explanation: This law forbids illicit sexual relationships, including adultery, incest, homosexuality, and other practices considered morally deviant in the Noahic tradition. It promotes fidelity and the sanctity of marriage.
  • Application: Upholding marital faithfulness and practicing sexual morality.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)
  • "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18)

5. Prohibition of Theft

  • Principle: Respecting the property of others.
  • Explanation: This law forbids stealing or taking what belongs to someone else. It promotes honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings.
  • Application: Avoiding deception, fraud, and unjust acquisition of goods.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
  • "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good." (Ephesians 4:28)

6. Prohibition of Eating the Flesh of a Living Animal

  • Principle: Showing compassion and respect for animals.
  • Explanation: This law forbids eating meat taken from an animal while it is still alive. It emphasizes humane treatment of animals and acknowledges their role in God’s creation.
  • Application: Practicing ethical treatment of animals, ensuring they are not subjected to unnecessary suffering.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat." (Genesis 9:4)
  • "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast." (Proverbs 12:10)

7. Establishment of Courts of Justice

  • Principle: Establishing fair and just legal systems.
  • Explanation: This law requires societies to create systems of justice to enforce the laws and ensure accountability. It promotes fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law.
  • Application: Building judicial systems that uphold righteousness, equity, and the protection of rights.

Scriptural Basis:

  • "Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment." (Deuteronomy 16:18)
  • "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

Conclusion:

The Seven Laws of Noah are a framework for universal morality, aiming to guide humanity in living harmoniously under God’s sovereignty. These laws are rooted in divine justice and reflect God’s desire for a righteous and peaceful world. They remind us of our shared responsibility to uphold these principles, fostering ethical behavior and accountability across all nations.



With idolatry, came the downfall of human dignity. Rulers claimed to be gods and treated their subjects as inferior beings.


Abraham's ideas threatened the authority of the god-kings and their appointed priests.


Without a context greater than itself, life can have no purpose.





Psalm 23: L-rd Is My Shepherd

 

Psalm 23: L-rd Is My Shepherd






What Is Psalm 23?

Psalm 23, which begins with the words “Mizmor leDavid” (“A song of David”), is arguably the most famous of all the Psalms. In it, King David sings of G‑d’s protection, referring to Him as a shepherd. David describes how his trust in G‑d never falters, and how, even as he walks through through the valley of the shadow of death, G‑d shields him from harm, vanquishes his enemies and enthrones him in the house of G‑d.

All of six verses, the psalm is a timeless testament to the rock-solid faith of the Jewish people in knowing that G‑d is always with us, protecting and guiding our path.

History of This Psalm

Rashi teaches us that David composed this psalm while on the run from King Saul, who was intent on murdering him. Hiding in the dry Judean forest of Hereth, and on the brink of death without food or drink, he was miraculously saved by G‑d, who nourished him with a taste of the World to Come.1 David gratefully burst out in song, describing the magnitude of his trust in G‑d. According to the interpretation of the Targum and Radak, David alludes to how G‑d provided for the Jews’ every need throughout their 40-year sojourn in the desert, and to how they will sing when G‑d returns them to our Holy Land; David sings, not just for himself, but for every Jew.2

Throughout the ages, in times of both sorrow and joy, millions of Jews gathered strength from these heartfelt words—words that comforted and uplifted them, and strengthened their trust in the Almighty—trust that G‑d, our faithful shepherd, will never forsake His precious flock, and ultimately will uplift and exalt us eternally in His holy house.

Read Psalm 23 in Hebrew

  1. מִזְמור לְדָוִד ה׳ רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר
  2. בִּנְאוֹת דֶשֶׁא יֵרְבִּיצֵנִי, עַל-מֵי מְנֻחוֹת יְנַהֲלֵנִי
  3. נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֹבֵב, יַנְחֵנִי בְמַעְגְלֵי-צֶדֶק לְמֵעֵן שְׁמו
  4. גַם כִּי-אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא צַלְמָוֶת לֹא-אִירָא רָע כִּי-אַתָּה עִמָדִי, שִׁבְטְךָ וּמִשְׁעַנְתֶּךָ הֵמָה יְנַחֲמֻנִי
  5. תַּעֲרֹךְ לְפָנַי שֻׁלְחָן נֶגֶד צֹרְרָי, דִשַנְתָּ בַשֶמֶן רֹאשִי כּוֹסִי רְוָיָה
  6. אַךְ, טוֹב וָחֶסֶד יִרְדְפוּנִי כָּל-יְמֵי חַיָי, וְשַׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית-ה׳ לְאֹרֶךְ יָמִים

Read Psalm 23 in English

  1. A song of David. The L‑rd is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  2. He causes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
  3. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
  4. Even as I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
  5. You set a table before me in the presence of my adversaries; You anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
  6. May only goodness and kindness pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the L‑rd for length of days.

Transliteration of Psalm 23

  1. Miz-mohr leh-dah-vid, ah-doh-noi roh-ee loh ekh-sar.
  2. Bin-oht deh-sheh yahr-bee-tzay-nee, ahl may meh-noo-khoht yeh-nah-hah-lay-nee.
  3. Nahf-shee yeh-shoh-vayv, yahn-chay-nee veh-mah-geh-lay tzeh-dek leh-mah-ahn sheh-moh.
  4. Gahm kee ay-laykh beh-gay tzahl-mah-veht, loh ee-rah rah, kee ah-tah ee-mah-dee, shiv-teh-khah oo-mish-ahn-teh-khah hay-mah yeh-nah-khah-moo-nee.
  5. Tah-ah-rohkh leh-fah-nai shool-khahn neh-gehd tzoh-reh-rai, dee-shahn-tah vah-sheh-mehn roh-shee, koh-see reh-vah-yah.
  6. Ahkh tohv vah-kheh-sehd yir-deh-foo-nee kohl yeh-may khah-yai, veh-shahv-tee beh-vayt ah-doh-noi leh-oh-rehch yah-mim.


Listen to Psalm 23 read in Hebrew

Current Time 1:12
Duration 1:12
Loaded100.00%
 
1x

Listen to Psalm 23 read in English

Current Time 0:22
Duration 0:39
Loaded100.00%
 
1x

“The L‑rd is my shepherd”


In the MidrashTalmud, and throughout Jewish tradition, the idea of a shepherd carries a lot of significance. A true shepherd tends to his flock with love and devotion, providing each sheep with exactly what it requires. Many of our leaders started off as shepherds, including the 12 sons of Jacob, David and Moses. In fact, it was precisely because of the dedication they displayed to their charges, nurturing and tending to them with love, that G‑d chose them to lead His people. Moses, the greatest of all Jewish leaders is described as a “raya m’heimnah,” a faithful shepherd,3 a persona he epitomized both in his capacity as an actual shepherd and as the shepherd of his people. Moses tended to the people on a personal level, caring for each individual and providing for their needs, similar to how he fed each sheep the type of grass that was most suitable to it.4
“G‑d is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.” G‑d is the quintessential shepherd, for His is a gaze that never shifts from his flock, the Jewish people. He tends to the individual Jew, ensuring that “I shall lack nothing.” He provides them with abundant sustenance, physical and spiritual, each according to his or her needs. As the psalm continues, G‑d leads us “beside green pastures and still waters.”5

Our faith in our Heavenly shepherd is such that, “Even as I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” Even in times of terrible upheaval and pain, we are not afraid, because we know that G‑d is with us. Throughout the ages, many a Jew has found solace in these stirring words. Through terrible suffering and pain, the immortal words of this psalm echo in our hearts and ears. Whether tied to the stake during the Spanish inquisition, butchered by the Cossacks in Eastern Europe, or sent into the fires of Auschwitz, our lips did not cease from murmuring King David’s song. This portrayal of the Jew’s unwavering, unshakable trust in G‑d has stood by our ancestors in times of sorrow and triumph.

When Is Psalm 23 Said?

In addition to being said in times of trouble, and as part of the specific set of psalms recited on behalf of a sick person, Mizmor Ledavid is most famously sung on Shabbat, during shalosh seudot¸ the third Shabbat meal eaten in the waning hours of the day. Some even say it three times. Some (including Chabad) also say it prior to eating the other two Shabbat meals (Friday night and Saturday morning), as well as at the conclusion of Friday night services.

Why Do We Say Psalm 23?

This custom of reciting Mizmor leDavid on Shabbat, before each meal and during the prayers, actually comes from the famed Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shlomo Luria, the Arizal (1534 - 1572). Why specifically on Shabbat? As mentioned, the theme of Mizmor leDavid is trust in G‑d. And therefore, on Shabbat, when we are commanded to rest and forbidden to work, we recite this prayer, proclaiming our trust that it is G‑d who provides sustenance to all, and that He, our faithful shepherd, will surely provide for us. This idea is especially related to the verse, “You set a table before me in the presence of my adversaries.” That is also why we say it particularly at the end of Shabbat, when we are about to re-enter the mundane world and toil to earn a livelihood.6 Additionally, the Arizal explained that this psalm helps to strengthen those who are not so confident, who are concerned that their livelihood will suffer as a result of their not working on Shabbat. Through reciting Mizmor leDavid, he taught, one will develop proper trust in G‑d.7

Interestingly, the Kabbalists teach that this psalm has special significance to one’s livelihood because it has 57 words, the numerical value of the word “zan,” which means to sustain, and 227 letters, the numerical value of the word brachah,” blessing. This again reminds us that G‑d is the source of our sustenance.8

Perhaps this above-mentioned reason is also the reason we say it specifically before we begin the meals, before we enjoy the sustenance that G‑d bestowed on us.

Other Reasons for Psalm 23 on Shabbat

Here are a few more interesting explanations on why we recite Mizmor leDavid throughout Shabbat.

  • Moses passed away on Shabbat afternoon (according to some opinions),9 and Moses, as mentioned, is referred to as the “raya m’heimnah,” the faithful shepherd of the Jews. Therefore we say this psalm at this time, affirming that although Moses is no longer with us we are not afraid, because we know that G‑d is our eternal shepherd.10
  • Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rimanov (1745-1815), chassidic rebbe and author of Divrei Menachem, explains the verse “You set a table before me in the presence of my adversaries” to refer to the manna that G‑d provided for the Jews in the desert. Shabbat has a special connection to the manna, as a double portion fell from heaven on Friday for every Jew, for Friday and Shabbat. (That is one of the reasons we have two challahs at each Shabbat meal). Perhaps that is another reason we say Mizmor leDavid specifically before meals, reminding us of the miracle of the manna, and how even now, just like then, it is G‑d who provides for us.






Reference:














PASSian CORE Values: GOD-CENTERED

  GOD-CENTERED  PASSians Flourishing in a Community of Love, Service, and Stewardship Introduction In today's fast-paced and self-focuse...