Psalm 1 – SING & LEARN
I chose this melody because its melody is somewhat monotonous, and yet pleasant. One of the keys for gladness suggested by King David in the opening song of Psalms is stability, which fits the tunes. Read Psalm 1 here
Archive of posts filed under the Sing & Learn category.
One of my week’s pleasures, is to sit with the SING & LEARN group, hear everyone’s comments on a chosen Tehillim chapter, and chant together one of the chapter’s verses.
I gathered here few of the songs we had the chance to record, hopefully in time a summary of what was conversed will be added.
… Chaverim, Let’s sing along!
Literary analysis of Psalm 27 – One thing I ask of Adonai
For the entire month of Elul, leading into Sukkot, this Psalm is traditionally read at both morning and evening services. Perhaps because its last stanza –“Hope in Adonai; be strong and of good courage!”`– may fortify those who recite it, as they face the Days of Repentance and Judgement. Perhaps because the first line of …
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Psalm 83 – SING & LEARN – Nations who rebel against G-d, attack Israel
Psalms 83 talk about nations whom attack the Israelites, in which is their way to rebel against Hashem. (attacking the Lord’s people who carry His word to the world). Steven and Marta Markus (Holocaust survivors) recalled and shared with us some stories of the Shoa. The chapter ends with the verse we sang (Psalm 83:19): Let …
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Literary Analysis of Psalm 6
Click here to read “Psalm Six – Translation of the Song” Verse 1 of Song 6 declares it has been composed to be accompanied by an 8-stringed lute. This declaration is immediately followed by a series of 7 commands which the singer directs to God: v. 2 — “do not rebuke me” — “do not …
Psalm 80 – SING & LEARN – Israel, grapevine
Our recording to Tehillim 80 ‘s song did not work so well, and so the below recording is the only option I’ve found in Youtube… Here are the words of verses 15-16 in any case: אֱלֹהִים צְבָאוֹת שׁוּב נָא הַבֵּט מִשָּׁמַיִם וּרְאֵה וּפְקֹד גֶּפֶן זֹאת. וְכַנָּה אֲשֶׁר נָטְעָה יְמִינֶךָ וְעַל בֵּן אִמַּצְתָּה לָּךְ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFuCJNr7N5I The despair …
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Psalm 79 – SING & LEARN – While sent to exile, Levites prayed for the return to Israel, so G-D’s honor will be restored
The introductory phrase states that this song was written by the Levite Asaph. But the first section of Song 79 — verses 1 to 4 — itself makes clear that it was not King David who composed it. First, and most obvious, it is a lament for the destruction of the Temple, built by David’s …
Psalm 71 – SING & LEARN (continues Psalm 70)
I think this is the most classic performance of what we sang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsxP6ohwBR0 and this one is the best… 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBO9vQSuiHY Song 71 acts as the completion of Song 70; thus, the two songs themselves pair. Rather than the introductory verse customary in most of the songs, the first verse of Song 71 resounds the prevalent …
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Literary Analysis of Psalm 70 (and 71)
Both songs, 70 and 71, are built on doublings; that is, on the pairings of words similar in meaning and connotation. Pairing of words is a common note in many, if not most, of the Praisesongs. But, in these two, it is the dominant chord. Song 70 pairs words not only within its individual verses but also from one …
Psalm 69 – SING & LEARN
Psalm 69 is a very typical chapter for the Book of Psalms. The song we recorded is actually a segment from the North African Jewry service, the ambassador of the congregation recites that verse and the congregation repeats it. I would like to quote Sarah, Victoria’s daughter (A mathematician who is an economist): “Prime numbers are …
Psalm 63 – SING & LEARN – Thirst to G-d
Thanks to the Jacobsons for hosting the Sing & Learn tonight, I wrote a few quick notes below the so “Chabad version” of the song at verse 63:2. Since the beauty and strength of this melody, comes with ‘the number of singers..’ I added the original version (Lubavitz Rebbe with thousands of his Chasidim) at …
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