How and When to Read Psalms: Complete Halachic Guide to Reciting Tehillim

Rabbi, according to one version, Psalms are read from midnight until midday, while another says from midnight until sunset. Which is correct?

You may recite Psalms (Tehillim) from midnight until sunset the next day. David Hamelech composed and recited Psalms between midnight and sunrise.

* * *

Is it permissible to read Tehillim while lying down? Is it only for daytime? How should women set fixed times for Torah study?

It is permitted to read Tehillim while lying down. However, ideally, one should not recite Tehillim from nightfall until midnight. Women are not obligated in Torah study as men are, but they should study the halachot (laws) that are relevant to their daily lives and observance.

* * *

Rabbi, I recently bought new tefillin and began wearing them every morning. I already have a daily practice of reading Tehillim. Is it acceptable to recite Psalms while still wearing tefillin and tallit, or should I remove them first?

Fortunate are you for performing such beautiful mitzvot. It is a great mitzvah to say Tehillim while wearing tefillin, and there is no problem in doing so.

* * *

Since one may not pray or recite holy words in an unclean place or in front of an immodestly dressed woman, may a woman read Tehillim on a bus where such situations occur or when the bus is not very clean?

A woman may read Tehillim even in the presence of another woman who is not dressed modestly. As long as there is no foul odor (such as from excrement), she may recite Tehillim on the bus.

* * *

What about reading Tehillim on a smartphone — is that acceptable and considered valid? May one enter a bathroom with the device or should the app be deleted? If the phone falls, does it need to be kissed?

It is completely acceptable and appropriate to read Tehillim on a phone. You may enter the bathroom with the device, and there is no need to kiss it if it falls.

* * *

Should Tehillim be recited quietly, only by moving the lips, or aloud?

It is best to recite Tehillim aloud — at least loudly enough that you can hear the words you are saying.