8 Elul, 5780/August 28, 2020

Beginning with Rosh Chodesh Elul, and continuing through Hoshana Rabba (the 7th day of Sukkot), we include Psalm 27 in every morning service. As in many communities, our practice at KH is to sing aloud the following lines: 

“Achat Shaalti me-eit Adonai, otah avakesh

Shivti b’veit Adonai kol y’mai chayai

Lachazot b’noam Adonai ul’vaker b’heichalo.”

“I have just one request of Adonai –

for this I yearn—

Let me dwell in the house of Adonai all the days of my life,

let me gaze on the loveliness of Adonai, in God’s sanctuary.”

You can listen and practice singing along with this video:

The words of the psalm reflect the changing emotions and spiritual trajectory that we may experience during this season of seeking repair and forgiveness, or during times of personal distress. 

Click here or see the attached PDF file for the full text of this psalm with guiding thoughts and questions for reflection or discussion. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom in the anticipated storm!