TEHILLIM TIDBITS TUESDAY

.Most of the chapters in Tehillim begin with a heading- a word or phrase that introduces the reader into the mindset that maximizes our connection to the lessons of the Perek (chapter). According to Chassidut, each of the ten Sefirot is expressed in one of these introductory words.

Mizmor is from the root Zayin Mem Raish which means to prune a tree, to remove that which is harmful. This refers to the Sefira of Gevura (restraint, might). One aspect of Gevura is the ability to cut away from your mind, life and emotions all that is harmful or negative. Saying any Perek of Tehillim that begins with Mizmor can empower you to differentiate between what is healthy and life giving, and what is not. With that understanding, and with a deep and simple trust in Hashem, you can reaffirm your desire to live wholesomely, holy and happily and receive the inner strength to actualize your resolve.

Asaf was one of the descendants of Korach, and a composer of eleven chapters of Tehillim. He was from the sons of Korach who had to choose between the error of their father, and the truth of Moshe Rabbeinu. The difficulty of such a choice is clear, yet the sons of Korach had the strength and wisdom to correctly align themselves with the life force of Torah. The descendants of Korach included the prophet Shmuel, and the Leviim who served in the Bais Hamikdash.

The Talmud (Brachos 40, Sanhedrin 7) and Mishna (Avos Chapter 3) use this Passuk to prove that the Presence of Hashem is found in every synagogue, in every Jewish court of law and in every group of Jews who gather for any holy or righteous reason. The need to be honest in judgment and sincere in connecting to Hashem in shul is enhanced by our meditating on the intensity of the revelation of Hashem in these places.

Hashem judges us as we judge others. We make judgment calls all day long- we see a friend walking into an expensive store and our brain almost instantly judges whether we think the person should buy there, wondering how they have the money, chutzpa or time for such a purchase etc. We see an empty taxi passing us by just when we are in a big rush and in need of transport, and the brain rushes to criticize the driver for lack of consideration or professionalism. Our children say they are too busy to come visit, and the next thing we hear, they are running to the theatre and the brain conjures up all sorts of annoying thoughts. The list is endless.

Rebbe Nachman taught that each time we make a judgment in our mind, it is really ourselves judging ourselves. He explains that each of us does things that can be judged either favorably, or negatively. Hashem lets us be our own judge. He lets us see another person doing just as we have done, perhaps with some variations as coordinated by The Infinite Divine Imagination. And our mind judges instantly. Then, the attorneys in our mind, our conscious thoughts, begin their presentation, and in the end, we consciously judge. Be careful, cautions the Rebbe. What we finally conclude, is agreed upon by Hashem. It’s as if Hashem says, “Listen, honey, I will listen to your own morals. If you think (s)he is guilty of this crime, than according to the scales of truth, you are also guilty. Remember when you didn’t visit your parents, or give a lift to that lady standing on the rainy street corner. True, you were in a hurry, and/or needed some stress relieves. But the taxi driver could have been in the same stressed hurry. Give him the benefit of the doubt, and I will do the same for you.

We always judge. We judge others, we judge Hashem, and we judge ourselves. Hashem stands with us as we judge, and we can call on His strength, His love and His perfection to help us make the decisions we need to make.

He likes to help us. He likes us! He, The Ultimate Judge, tells us to be fair and compassionate- with others, with Him, and ( surprise!) mostly with ourselves.

HAVE A HEALTHY YOM SHLISI

August 28, 2006 | Filed Under Tehillim for Tuesday | Leave a Comment