מהו ספר תהילים?
What is Tehillim?
Tehillim (Psalms) is a collection of 150 sacred poems and prayers, primarily written by King David. The Hebrew word 'Tehillim' means 'praises.' These timeless words express the full range of human emotion - from despair to joy, from fear to faith. Jews have recited Tehillim for thousands of years in times of need and celebration.
תהילים של יום
The Daily Psalm
Each day of the week has a designated psalm recited at the end of Shacharit: Sunday - Psalm 24, Monday - Psalm 48, Tuesday - Psalm 82, Wednesday - Psalm 94, Thursday - Psalm 81, Friday - Psalm 93, Shabbat - Psalm 92. These correspond to what the Levites sang in the Temple on each day.
מחזור חודשי של תהילים
Monthly Cycle of Tehillim
Many Jews complete the entire book of Tehillim each month. The 150 psalms are divided into 30 sections, one for each day of the Hebrew month. On Rosh Chodesh, many say the full Tehillim. This practice is especially common in Chassidic and Sephardic communities. Reading Tehillim daily connects one to King David's words constantly.
תהילים לרפואה
Psalms for Healing
When praying for someone who is ill, these psalms are commonly recited: Psalm 6, 13, 20, 23, 30, 41, 88, 103, 119, and 142. Some recite the psalms whose first letters spell the sick person's name. Psalm 119 is particularly used since it's an acrostic - you can read sections corresponding to each letter of the person's Hebrew name.
תהילים לאירועים שונים
Psalms for Different Occasions
Different psalms are recited for various needs: Protection/Travel - Psalm 91 (Yoshev b'seter), Livelihood - Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd), Gratitude - Psalm 100 (Mizmor l'todah), Before prayer - Psalm 51, Finding a spouse - Psalm 32, Childbirth - Psalm 20, Repentance - Psalm 51, Times of distress - Psalms 20, 121, 130. Many say Psalm 27 during Elul and Tishrei.
כיצד לקרוא תהילים
How to Recite Tehillim
Tehillim can be recited anytime, though preferably during daylight hours. Many begin with 'L'shem yichud' (a declaration of intent) and conclude with 'Yehi ratzon' (a prayer for acceptance). Say the words carefully, even if you don't understand Hebrew - the words themselves have spiritual power. It's customary to mention names of those you're praying for before or after.