Category Archives: Psalms

Chants, Psalms

Initiation: Atah-chohayn

Atah-chohayn l’olam al-divrati Malki-tzedek
Graphic: Initiation in Hebrew
“You are a priest forever”, according to the word of Malkitzedek. (Psalm 110:4)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 110 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

Malki-tzedek is the mysterious Priest of Ayl Aylyon, God of the Most High, mentioned in Genesis 14, who offers bread and wine to Abraham, initiating him into his calling and spiritual destiny. He becomes for us an archetype of initiatory power that is calling each of us into the fulfilment of our full potential and true purpose. When we chant these words, we are opening to an initiation into our own wholeness.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Initiation PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Wounded Heart

Ki oni v’evyon anochi, v’libi chalal b’kirbi
Graphic: Wounded Heart in Hebrew
For I am poor and lowly, and my heart is wounded within me. (Psalm 109:22)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 109 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

I stand before God, the Great Mystery, in humility, opening to the great love. My heart has been pierced by the arrows of this world — by suffering and hatred and lies and cruelty. Into the hollow of that heart wound, I invite God to enter and dwell.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Wounded Heart PDF.

Chants, Psalms

A Grateful Refrain

Yodu LaYah chasdo v’niflotav livnay adam
Graphic: A Grateful Refrain in Hebrew
Thank God for this flowing love,
whose miracles shape our humanity.
(Psalm 107:8, Psalm 107:15, Psalm 107:21, Psalm 107:31)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 107 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

This line appears 4 times in this Psalm as a joyous and grateful refrain. Each time we recuperate from illness, avoid danger or recover from misfortune, we pause to acknowledge the miracles in our lives. We let those miracles shape our humanity by celebrating this amazing moment, and connecting in compassionate support with others who are facing challenge.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click A Grateful Refrain PDF.

Chants, Psalms

You Are Compassion

Rachum v’Chanun HAVAYAH, Erech apayim v’rav-chesed.
Graphic: You Are Compassion in Hwbrew
You are compassion and endless grace,
You’re never angry, Love shines from Your Face. (Psalm 103:8)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 103 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

In the book of Exodus, Moses asks to see Gods’ face, and in response God reveals the nature of Divinity with these same words. God is saying, “Know me through these qualities. Seek these qualities in the world and cultivate them within yourself.” So, in chanting these words, we are affirming those Divine attributes, being inspired by them, being reassured by them, and opening to receive the great gift of Divine compassion, grace and abundant love.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click You Are Compassion PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Seekers Rejoice

Yismach layv m’vak’shay Yah!
Graphic: Seekers Rejoice in Hebrew
Let all who seek God, rejoice! (Psalm 105:3)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 105 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

In seeking God, there is a tendency to become very solemn and serious. If we are weighted down by our efforts, the journey to God will feel like a chore, an obligation or a burden… and it will exhaust us. This is a practice of remembering that we can walk this path with playfulness and joy. Every expression of that joy, which is our true nature, brings us closer to God-at-our-core and opens up a door to the great expanse.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Seekers Rejoice PDF.