Page 23 - 32

Foreword # 26560-EYAL - 2

< . 4 that the efficacy of reciting Tehillim is rooted in the inspira-
!

tion one receives from its beautiful words, which naturally
lead one towards fear of Hashem and to unbridled faith in

'

0
#
His kindness and in His unlimited ability to help us. This

inspiration, of course, can happen only if one understands

0 0 $ 0 the words he recites.
&

0
Ultimately, the goal of Tehillim is úåãéñçì äôöé, to engen-
2
der within ourselves the kind of úåãéñç that characterized

$ $
King David, the awareness that we are here in this world to

/ < serve G-d, and not to serve ourselves. When we experience
5
personal crisis and open the Book of Tehillim, we must be
4

$ able to cry, as David did, éðà ãéñç éë éùôð äøîù — that G-d
%
4 should help us because we are a ãéñç, humbly devoted to

$ Him, and not just to our own interests and desires. Reciting
8
Tehillim should not be viewed as some kind of magical
4 $ $
4
formula, but rather as a transformative process, an experi-
ence of spiritual growth and heightened spiritual aware-
ness, elevating us to a greater sense of commitment and

!

devotion to Hashem and His Torah.

0

In order for this process of happen, of course, one must
$

? 7 recite the words of Tehillim with proper concentration and
with an understanding of their meaning. In order to be truly

affected by the depth and holiness of King David’s prayers,

we need to comprehend what we are saying, and not merely

mouth the text.

7

It is for this reason that Congregation Shaare Rahamim
3 %6

embarked on the ambitious project to produce this beautiful

* &
volume. The translation is both fluid and accurate, allowing

# worshippers to grasp the meaning and beauty of the text.
Each chapter is introduced with a summary and overview,

providing historical context when appropriate, helping the
& reader to understand the author’s mood and intent when
composing the given Psalm. The summaries are drawn from