Tehilim/Psalms With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Our Redemption Songs Study Series on the Book of Psalms -- Sefer Tehillim, features in-depth analysis of prophetic songful verses redacted and composed by the legendary "Sweet Singer of Israel," King David. The Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Segment of this larger Series focuses specifically on the Fifteen Psalms known as The Shir HaMa’alot (Songs of Ascent). __________________________________ In the third and final Episode of Psalm 123 "HELD IN CONTEMPT" we deal with the Denigration of Am Yisrael that is brought on by the Derision of the Nations. With Souls Sated with the Scorn of our Sworn Enemies, we pray even more intensely for the Salvation to be ushered in by our long-awaited Moshiach! Having developed a profound understanding of the opening two verses, we can now move to conclude our study of this unique prayerful psalm. Our long and painful Galut/Exilic Odessey has humbled us to the point of full saturation. For too long we have suffered derision and degradation of the complacent. For too long we’ve been tormented by the scorn and humiliation of the arrogant. Isn’t it high time for Hashem’s children to finally be brought home? This third and climatic offering on Psalm 123 is the sixteenth consecutive segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot.

Our Redemption Songs Study Series on the Book of Psalms -- Sefer Tehillim, features in-depth analysis of prophetic songful verses redacted and composed by the legendary "Sweet Singer of Israel," King David. The Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Segment of this larger Series focuses specifically on the Fifteen Psalms known as The Shir HaMa’alot (Songs of Ascent). __________________________________ In the second Episode of Psalm 123, entitled "UNTIL GRACE," we see Eyes of Servitude Directed towards a Master, and we view a Gaze of Dependence to better understand how and why we are Lift Our Eyes to Hashem! Appreciating verse two, requires an in-depth analysis of the precise intention of the unusual prophetic parable designed to clarify the meaning of our prayerful petition. Discover the historic manifestations of Divine dependence we experienced in the journey of our Exodus was designed to imbue Faithful Trust. And learn why the paradigm of servitude becomes the perfect parable. Employing Gender Benders, and differing forms of embodiment, this prophetic verse utilizes a unique set of circumstances to fully illuminate our relationship with G-d and the World He created!

Our Redemption Songs Study Series on the Book of Psalms -- Sefer Tehillim, features in-depth analysis of prophetic songful verses redacted and composed by the legendary "Sweet Singer of Israel," King David. The Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Segment of this larger Series focuses specifically on the Fifteen Psalms known as The Shir HaMa’alot (Songs of Ascent). __________________________________ The first Episode of Psalm 123, entitled "LIFT YOUR EYES" directs us to see beyond and ultimately Gaze Heavenward, a euphemism for everything's spiritual source! Our literary journey will cover verse one, as we begin our discovery of the meaning woven into this prophetic tapestry of poetic petition. Addressing questions like: what are we praying for, and what motivates this unique entreaty, is it a private expression of heartfelt need, or is this the voice of a nation? As the focus shifts towards the highest Heavens, other challenges cloud our vision. The resolution and remarkable insight revealed will enable us to tap into our deepest spiritual essence, stirring the Neshama’s very core. Learning to look beyond the façade, recognizing Hashem’s Heavenly presence in within nature to best fulfill our earthly Mission of Perfecting the World!

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 130 - Part Three On the heels of our multi-dimensional elucidation on the Psalmist "Calling from the Depths" that highlighted the connection of the Soul's Essence to Depth of Divinity, we now move on to nurturing the relationship. If rebelliousness ruins the relationship, then it is only Divine Grace and Pardon that can saves it. Sin soils and spoils our Soul bond with G-d. Teshuva, spiritual return and renewal cleanses and restores. Yet, it is the infinite capacity of our loving Creator’s forgiveness that ultimately makes all the difference! Discover the fascinating details of this Torah truism that at once preserves the relationship and paves the way towards a better future. This third Episode on Psalm 130 of Sefer Tehillim comprises yet another segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot, the stirring songful Psalms that punctuate a wide gamut of Jewish life unlike any other collection of prayers. From moments of great Joy to profound Awe, Drama and Devotion, King David's Songs of Ascent are uniquely poised to inspire, uplift, and comfort.

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 130 - Part Two Herer, we continue our analysis of King David's prayerful prose "Calling from to Hashem from the Depths." In take two on the subject, we will reveal a vastly different landscape of meaning as per a cryptic comment of the Zohar as illuminated by inspiring Chassidic Mystical teachings. This is all about Deep Calling Deep: connecting Soul Essence to Depth of Divinity! Rather than referring to a pit of pain, the symbolic depths allude to reaching out from the very core of our soul. With deeper upspoken communication, we commune with our Creator and His endless well of compassion. Probing beneath the surface of Prayerful Anonymity will leads us to discover the soul’s songful subconsciousness and teach uis how to listen-in to our inner voice. You'll learn how and why the expression of your deepest essence allows you to connect to with G-d’s deepest essence, as we highlight the difference between Wholehearted Soulful Yearning and the truest essence of every Jewish Heart and Soul! This is the second Episode on Psalm 130 of Sefer Tehillim comprising yet another segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot, the stirring songful Psalms that punctuate a wide gamut of Jewish life unlike any other collection of prayers. From moments of great Joy to profound Awe, Drama and Devotion, King David's Songs of Ascent are uniquely poised to inspire, uplift, and comfort. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 130 - Part One In this first episode we begin our discovery of How Calling from below leads to connecting on High, revealing the first layer of meaning and inspiration that's alluded to in each of King David's precise prayerful words. See how on the wings of Prayer and Song, we rise out of our national sorrows, or the pit of our private pain. Finding our inner voice, we plead for Hashem’s attentiveness and are ever certain of His infinite compassion. We will learn why cries that effectively embody and articulate our spiritual longing and yearning defines the essence of every Jewish Heart and Soul! This is the first Episode on Psalm 130 of Sefer Tehillim comprising yet another segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot, the stirring songful Psalms that punctuate a wide gamut of Jewish life unlike any other collection of prayers. From moments of great Joy to profound Awe, Drama and Devotion, King David's Songs of Ascent are uniquely poised to inspire, uplift, and comfort. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 122 - Part Five ~ - In this fifth episode we conclude our discovery of the incredible meaning and inspiration woven into the prophetic tapestry of King David's poetic prayers for Jerusalem. Here, the 'Sweet Singer of Israel' pleads to G-d for Goodness Sake for Brethren and Sanctuary seeking the welfare of both his and the Creator’s Companions! As we pray for Hashem's Holy City, she reciprocally, she prays for us. The aching need for the Exile’s Return is directly linked to the Restoration of Israel’s eternal Capital City and the Beit HaMikdash. Ultimately, the concept of Shalom in Yerushalayim transcends time and space -- and even today we can be privileged experience a kindred Oneness with G-d! This fifth and final Episode on Psalm 122 of Sefer Tehillim comprises the thirteenth segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 122 - Part Four ~ - We continue to reveal layers of meaning and inspiration woven into the prophetic tapestry of King David's prayerful poetry about Jerusalem. In this fourth episode King David speaks of Peace -- petitioning Heaven to bring its blessed nature to the city limits and streets, as well as within the spirits of her children. As we come into an appreciation of Jerusalem’s true virtues, we should all be inspired to plead on her behalf. Reciprocally, she too proverbially prays for us! The concept of Shalom in Yerushalayim's exalted environs can speak to both Structures and Souls. In chorus we together Pray for Peace, Return and Restoration. For Now. For the Future. Forever! This fourth Episode on Psalm 122 of Sefer Tehillim comprises the twelfth segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 122 - Part Three ~ - In this third episode King focuses on the City of Jerusalem itself, in addition to the superlative virtue of hosting the Beit HaMikdash. This leads us into an analysis of the concepts of Shechina, Sovereignty and Sanhedrin. Uniquely depicted as a "City of Thrones" because it is the seat of the Divine Presence, the Davidic Monarchy and the High Court as the Legal structure of Torah Judaism and Justice! In highlighting these dimensions, we are led to a deeper understanding of Jewish Jerusalem, as the united Capital of Israel containing Judicial and Royal Authorities of the Jewish People. The incredible reality of Mortal Monarchs and Judges whose Potency as but a reflection of a Higher Power, is most effectively expressed in Prayers for Her Peace! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Redemption Songs Series Shir HaMa’alot - Tehillim; Psalm 122 - Part Two ~ ! We continue to reveal layers of meaning and inspiration encoded into the poetic, prophetic prose of Dovid HaMelech, who poured his soul forth in prayer. By better understanding the inner rhythm of his holy heartfelt expression, we are enabled to discover the heart of the Jewish World! In this second episode we will continue to appreciate the uniqueness of our beloved Yerushalayim, viewed as the geographic and spiritual center our universe. Notwithstanding the many individual parts of her unique Material Metropolis, she radiated oneness; exuding a unifying energy that was evident in the most literal sense. Incredibly enough, Unity can be found in Her Name, Urban Design, and the Teeming Humanity who would visit. Learn how everything in this enchanting city embodied the very ideas and ideals of Oneness and Unity! This second Episode of Psalm 122 of Sefer Tehillim comprises the tenth segment of the Awe-Psalm Ascendancy Series on the Shir HaMa'alot.