Poetry and Prayer

Themes of truth, love, righteousness, and peace are all joined in this psalm's description of repentance and forgiveness.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 85 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 85 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 85 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm used by many Jews to introduce the afternoon prayer reveals what prayer in a synagogue means to Jewish tradition.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 84 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 84 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 84 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to read "Fear and Joy in Sepharad and Ashkenaz" by Rabbi Soloveichik.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 83 seems to be linked to a righteous king many have forgotten.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 83 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 83 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 83 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A speech by Justice Scalia, whose birthday was yesterday, relates to the thesis of this Psalm.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 82 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 82 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 82 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The joining of Rosh Hashanah and the new moon is meant to deepen our understanding of time.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 81 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 81 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 81 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

By evoking the intimacy of spousal love, Psalm 80 conveys the Israelites' profound emotional yearning for the God of Jerusalem.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 80 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 80 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 80 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

On Passover, Psalm 79 is referenced, along with many other psalms, revealing the profound nature of the evening. Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 79 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 79 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 79 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

In Psalm 78, David's background as a shepherd becomes the key to understanding his kingship. Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 78 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 78 describes the many miracles of the Exodus, including one sublime moment during the splitting of the sea.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 78 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Dr. Passi Rosen-Bayewitz on the 21st yahrzeit of her husband, Dr. Moshe Bayewitz.

Psalm 78 describes one moment that changed Jewish history, which is meant to teach us about gratitude today.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 78 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to listen to the "Parashah and Politics" podcast episode on Parashat Beha'alotcha.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Dr. Passi Rosen-Bayewitz on the 21st yahrzeit of her husband, Dr. Moshe Bayewitz.

Psalm 78 describes the story of the Israelites from the Exodus to the Davidic monarchy.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 78 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 78 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Mike Mautner in honor of Jerry Mautner.

A psalm expresses anguish over exile and then exultantly describes the Exodus. What is the link between the psalm's two parts?

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 77 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 77 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 77 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Purim's date reveals what we are truly celebrating—and why a remarkable event seemingly described in this psalm never became a holiday.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 76 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 76 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 76 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The themes of exile and salvation are bound together in a tradition regarding the reading of the Megillah—and in these two psalms of Asaf.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 74 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 74 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 74 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 75 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 75 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 75 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A story about Rome and Jerusalem helps us ponder this psalm of Asaf.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 73 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 73 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 73 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

In Psalm 72, we find a father preparing for his son to be his heir.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 72 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 72 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 72 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 71 seems to feature an aging David, reflecting on God's salvation throughout his life.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 71 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 71 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 71 in Hebrew and English. —

"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Translations of Psalm 70 give us an interesting rendering of an exclamation.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 70 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 70 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 70 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to read "May You Be Inscribed for a Good Laugh" by Rabbi Soloveichik.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The conclusion of Psalm 69 reminds us of a relatively unknown and inspiring blessing that has been pronounced in our time.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 69 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 69 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 69 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalms 68 and 69 come together to reveal two themes in Jewish history.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 69 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 69 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 69 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The conclusion of Psalm 68 has one fascinating plural word that may point to the unique nature of Jerusalem.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 68 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 68 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 68 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

An obvious reference to Moses' description of the Ark begins the psalm. How are we to understand what follows?

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 68 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 68 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 68 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to listen to "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Dagan" from "Bible 365."

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Alan Hirschfeld and Emily Roberts.

Psalm 67 builds on the priestly blessings in a striking way.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 67 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 67 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 67 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 66 can be read as reflecting on the wonder of being part of the Jewish story.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 66 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 66 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 66 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

In this psalm, David tells us how we can hear nature praising God, inspiring us to praise the Almighty.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 65 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 65 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 65 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 64 highlights the potential of words to do great good and great harm.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 64 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 64 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 64 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Winston Churchill's essay on Moses helps us appreciate a psalm that David composed in the desert.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 63 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 63 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 63 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

In this psalm, David reflects on the role of both silence and song in our lives.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 62 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 62 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 62 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David's psalm has a famous verse that might be about the preciousness of time.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 61 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 61 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 61 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 60 asks us to ponder how a leader like David responds when his army is momentarily defeated.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 60 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 60 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 60 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 59 takes us into a very precise moment of David's life. Why, then, does he also lend a universal theme to the psalm?

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 59 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 59 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 59 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to read I Samuel 19: 11-19.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 58 reminds us that anger has a role in the moral life when channeled properly.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 58 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 58 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 58 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 57, which takes place in a cave, offers a mirror image of Plato's famous allegory.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 57 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 57 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 57 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 56 speaks of a dove—a dove that does not desire war, but recognizes that at times it is necessary.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 56 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 56 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 56 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

David's trusted adviser who berated him may be the inspiration for this psalm.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 55 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 55 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 55 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A psalm speaks of David's loneliness, and his inner strength.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 54 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 54 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 54 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 53 is almost exactly identical to Psalm 14. Why then are its words repeated?

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 53 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 53 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 53 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to listen to the "Poetry and Prayer" podcast on Psalm 14.

• Click here to watch Rabbi Soloveichik's course on George Washington's letters to the Jews of America.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A character from The Lord of the Rings reveals the destructive power of wicked speech, mirrored by a biblical figure who used words for evil ends.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 52 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 52 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 52 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

An etching by Rembrandt van Rijn captures the essence of Psalm 51.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 51 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 51 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 51 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to view "David in Prayer" by Rembrandt van Rijn.

• Click here to listen to Rabbi Soloveichik's podcast on kintsugi.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Judaism binds gratitude and repentance together, creating a path for a life well lived.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 50 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 50 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 50 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

A short story by Tolstoy allows us to better appreciate the message at the heart of the psalm.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 49 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 49 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 49 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

William Seward's citation of this psalm speaks to the secret of Jewish endurance.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 48 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 48 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 48 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to read William H. Seward's excerpt on Jerusalem.

• Click here to read "Marco Rubio in the City of David."

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The shofar has both a particularistic and universal meaning.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 47 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 47 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 47 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to listen to "The Shofar Postcard and the Shofar Prayer."

• Click here to read more about the shofar blowing on the island of St. Martin.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

One of the greatest miracles in Jewish history may be the subject of this psalm.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 46 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 46 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 46 in Hebrew and English.

• Click here to watch "Assyria vs. Israel: The Miracle the Saved Monotheism."

• Click here to watch "What the War with Iran Reveals about Providence and Jewish History."

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 45 highlights the distinction between the Jewish and pagan perspectives on royalty.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 45 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 45 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 45 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

The second half of Psalm 44 cries out to God in the midst of catastrophe but still finds a way to sustain faith.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 44 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 44 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 44 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

Psalm 44 describes a period devoid of the miracles of the past—but therein we discover another miracle.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 44 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 44 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 44 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This exquisite psalm gives us a one-sentence soliloquy.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 43 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 43 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 43 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Ellen Cogen Lipton in memory of her mother Beverly Cogen.

Why do the sons of Korach, an adversary of Moses, merit their own psalm?

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 42 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 42 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 42 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Elia and Anna Roumani.

The sages note a comparison between Moses and David, the Torah and Tehillim.

Supplemental Materials:

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 41 in English.

• Click here to listen to a recitation of Psalm 41 in Hebrew.

• Click here to read Psalm 41 in Hebrew and English.

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"Poetry & Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms" is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman.

This episode of "Poetry and Prayer" is generously sponsored by Mark Perkins and Eva Marcuschamer.