The Torah portion of Beha’alotecha discusses the age at which the Levites would begin their service in the Mishkan. As such, this article will discuss the custom of saying a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms) corresponding to one’s age.
Bringing Down the Blessings by Saying Tehillim
The Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya, writes that King David was able to bring the revelations of the Ten Divine attributes into this world. The name David, which can be spelled דויד, has the same letters as the explicit name of G-d’s name (ההוי) except that in David’s name the two letters of ה are switched for two ד's. The two הs represent the 10 Divine Attributes (the gematriyah of ה is five so two ‘הs equals 10) whereas, when these revelations reach this world, the ה's are switched for ד's. (Dalet represents [spiritual] poverty.)
King David composed Tehillim. The word Tehillim, which literally means praises, can also be translated as “shining,” so that, by reciting them, one can cause a “shining” of the loftiest levels into this world.
“As such,” the Alter Rebbe concludes, ”every person needs to say the chapter of Tehillim that corresponds to his age and to acknowledge G-d with these praises.”
From the Ba’al Shem Tov
The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote that the custom of saying Tehillim corresponding to one’s age (e.g., if one is 13, one should say chapter 14) originates from the Ba’al Shem Tov who told it to his student, the Maggid of Mezrtich, who told it to the Alter Rebbe (see above).
Tehillim for One’s Children
The Previous Rebbe writes that the elder Chassidim would also say the chapters of Tehillim that correspond to the ages of their children and that this is a segulah that one’s children should stay on the Torah path.
When to Say It?
The best time to say these chapters is before the daily Tehillim following the rule of “that which is more common takes precedence over that which is less common.” Nevertheless, if one is running late, one may start reciting the daily Tehillim and finish it, as well as the chapter corresponding to one’s years, later in the day.
Which One to Say on One’s Birthday?
Some people are accustomed to reciting two chapters of Tehillim on their birthday, the one of their previous year and the one of their upcoming year. When asked whether or not one should say “only the new chapter on one’s birthday or only the new one,” the Rebbe responded that one should only say the new one and that !ישן מהו כותו,שיי הרי הז ישן – “the old one is old and is no longer relevant (to one’s current age).”
Studying It on Rosh Chodesh
“It is an ancient custom to study on every Rosh Chodesh one verse together with Rashi (one may add other commentaries) of the chapter corresponding to one’s age (i.e., one chapter ahead of one’s actual age). If the chapter has less than 12 verses (or 13 in a leap year), one can learn the verses twice. If it has more than 12 (or 13) verses one can learn two or more verses every Rosh Chodesh.”
Loving the Rebbe and Reciting his Chapter
The Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote that there three ways that, traditionally, the chassidim show their love for their Rebbe:
- By saying a “Horachaman” prayer towards the end of the Birkat HaMazon which blesses the Rebbe.
- By reciting the verses that correspond to the Rebbe’s name at the end of the Amidah.
- And by saying the chapter of Tehillim that corresponds to the Rebbe’s age.
A Vessel for Blessings
The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged several Chassidim to continue saying the chapter of Tehillim that corresponded to the age of the Previous Rebbe even after he passed away. He remarked that doing so would make them worthy to receive the blessings which the (Previous) Rebbe had given them.
Study the Rebbe’s Chapter
In 1991 the Lubavitcher Rebbe remarked that many people have certainly started to study the inner meanings of Psalm 91 (the Rebbe’s chapter at that time) which had been printed for this purpose.
Connecting the Psalm with the Age
Psalm 81 includes the verse י הִכֹנָא ךָיֶקלֱֹא ךְָלַﬠַמַּה ץֶרֶאֵמ םִיָרְצִמ בֶחְרַה ךָיִפּ הוּ׃ֵאְלַמֲאַו – “I, the L-rd, am your G-d who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it,” which represents a tremendous Divine blessing that goes beyond what is expected. The Lubavitcher Rebbe pointed out that this psalm is recited during one’s 80th year and that since living to that age is described as achieving strength, living beyond that age is considered an unusual (and somewhat unexpected) blessing.
King David Said his Chapter Daily
There’s an allusion to the idea of saying a daily chapter of Tehillim corresponding to one’s age from the Tehillim itself. As is known, King David passed away when he was seventy years old. The Talmud says that the first two chapters of Tehillim are actually one chapter, which would mean that the 72nd chapter is really the 71st. As such, when he passed away, King David would have been saying (what we call) the 72nd chapter of Tehillim. This chapter ends with the words וּלׇּכּ וֹלּתִפְת דִוָדּ ןֶבּ י׃ָשִׁי – “The praises of David, son of Jesse, have ended” alluding to the fact that King David passed away at that age.
The Importance of Saying Tehillim
The Shela writes, “One whose soul yearns to cleave to G-d and to praise Him will attach himself to the book of Tehillim. Fortunate is one who says it with song, joy, concentration, and while understanding what he is saying.”
The Chida writes, “The segulah of saying Tehillim is well known and is very powerful. One should be careful to read one section every day or at least every week... Studying these (Tehillim, Tanach, Zohar and Mishnah) will definitely protect one in this world and in the next.”
Reb Chaim Volozhiner writes, “There is no greater Deveikut (cleaving) to G-d than saying Tehillim properly all day.”
Reb Moshe Feinstein wrote “Saying Tehillim awakens the heart to love God and informs the person how he is in the Hand of G-d and that one cannot hide from Him. This is why saying Tehillim is so important.”
May we merit to have our prayers answered, that Israel be protected from all harm, and that we utterly defeat our Enemies!
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom UMevorach!
Copyright 2025 by Rabbi Aryeh Citron
