The founder of the Chassidic movement, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov said that it is a good omen for a person to say daily, the chapter of Psalms corresponding to their age i.e., someone who turns 30 years to say Psalm chapter 31 and so forth. Many likewise have the custom to recite daily the Rebbe’s chapter.
The 11th of Nissan (Friday, April 19th, this year) marks the Rebbe’s 122nd birthday, and so, we begin reciting chapter 123. The aforementioned custom includes the study of a few verses of the chapter on the birthday and beginning of each month completing its in depth meaning throughout the year.
This chapter speaks of the Jewish people’s attempt to return to Israel from the Babylonian exile, after suffering inconceivable humiliation.
It opens with the words: “A song of ascent. To You I lifted up my eyes, You Who dwell in heaven”.
The Meiri [Rabbi Menachem Ben Solomon - Talmudist - France 1249-1315] explains that it is written in the singular [I lifted MY eyes] to stress the fact that all the people were speaking in one voice. In addition, it expresses the greatness and clarity of faith the people had in their commitment to the Al-Mighty being the only avenue to turn to for assistance and salvation.
The Psalm continues: “Behold, as the eyes of slaves to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a handmaid to the hand of her mistress, so are our eyes to the L-rd our G-d, until He favors us”.
The Radak [Rabbi David Kimhi - Bible commentator, France 1160-1235] explains: In this verse King David expresses the people’s understanding of the true source of all their tribulations, as well as the acknowledgement that whatever transpired ultimately came from G-d and G-d alone, banishing the idea of a foreign deity.
The Psalm continues: “Favor us, O L-rd, favor us, for we are fully sated with contempt”.
Rabbi Ovadiah Seforno [Italian biblical commentator 1470-1550] explains: In the event we let wealth i.e., materialism of exile cause us to become arrogant, know that it was only the enticing nature of exile that made us this way but not who we truly are, therefore please allow us once again to find favor in Your eyes.
In the final verse King David says: “Our soul is fully sated with the ridicule, the complacent, the contempt [shown] to the valley of doves”.
Rashi explains that this verse explains the depth of the ridicule they suffered, and that the valley of doves, is referring to Jerusalem itself.
In summation: This chapter of Psalms talks of the people’s request to the Almighty asking for permission to return to Israel after all their past suffering. As we read this chapter, we pray that the Almighty redeem us and the world at large from a far too long exile, having already experienced unimaginable ridicule. May it be speedily in our days.
