Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
The dual nature of Shabbat is presented: Universal - stemming from the creation of the world - and national - stemming from the Exodus from Egypt and the...
"Haleluya!" - An analysis of the Last Five Mizmorim
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
An overview of the Halleluya Mizmorim: Mizmor 146 is an individual praise of God; Mizmor 147 is a public praise touching on God’s great deeds and...
"Haleluya!" - Duplicity and Simplicity
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Mizmor 146 – the first of the Halleluya series – calls out to praise God. A precondition for praise is belief. It disregards the haughty leaders who do...
Tehila U-Berakha: "Ashrei" - Part II
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Different levels can exist in our relationship with God. One can always call out and reach God, but achieve a greater closeness if one cries out sincerely...
Tehila U-Berakha: "Ashrei" - Part I
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Mizmor 145 – ‘Ashrei’ - is central in Jewish liturgy. An analysis of the contrast between praise of God - which creates a distance between man and his...
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
The first section of Mizmor 40, in which the poet addresses God in third person, is a 'Hymn of Gratitude'. In the second section, the poet addresses God...
Perspective Through the Eyes of the Psalmist
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Mizmor 28 begins with a cry to God to listen, a request and gratitude to God for listening. The request in this Mizmor is unique because David does not...
"Blessing One's Soul: "The Formula for a Meaningful Life
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
The theme of Mizmor 49 is to impart wisdom about the futility of life when it involves only a desperate hunt for honor. When one takes the time and care...
Providence, Guidance, a Rod and a Staff: A Study of Life at a Time of Death
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Mizmor 23 focuses less on death and more on the guidance of the merciful Shepherd, as God nurtures us in green pastures and on peaceful waters. It is a...
A Tefilla of a(n Un)Repentant Psalmist
Rabbi Avi Baumol
Source:
Mizmor 17 invites two separate and almost contradictory approaches: a prayer of a 'ba'al teshuva' having realized his sins, has accepted his punishments...
