A Ritual Moment: Psalms After Challah Separation

Psalm 28: Of David: To you, Hashem, I call; my rock, do not be deaf to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry out to you, when I lift my hands towards your holy sanctuary. Do not drag me away with the wicked and those who do wrong, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. Repay them according to their deeds and the wickedness of their actions. Repay them as they deserve; because they do not regard the works of Hashem or the deeds of His hands. He will tear them down and not build them up. Blessed be Hashem, for He has heard the voice of my supplications. Hashem is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped, therefore my heart exults, and with my song I praise Him. Hashem is the strength of His people; He is a protective refuge for His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 34: Of David, when he altered his behavior before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed: I will bless Hashem at all times; His praise shall always be in my mouth. My soul will glory in Hashem; let the humble hear it and be glad. Magnify Hashem with me, let us exalt His name together. I sought Hashem, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to Him and be radiant, and your faces shall not be ashamed. This poor man cried out, and Hashem heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of Hashem encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that Hashem is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Fear Hashem, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The young lions may lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek Hashem shall not lack any good thing. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of Hashem. Who is the man who desires life and loves days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of Hashem are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of Hashem is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and Hashem hears and delivers them from all their troubles. Hashem is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Hashem delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. Hashem redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

The complete chapter is featured in the book “Paths of Challah”, by Rabbanit Esther Tolentino.

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