Throughout history, David HaMelech’s book of Psalms has been a traditional source of inspiration, clarity, chizuk, and comfort in times of distress. Whenever we find ourselves in difficult situations, whether individually or communally, we open the Book of Psalms and use David HaMelech’s poetic praises and supplications to ask Hashem for mercy. Throughout the 150 chapters, there are praises, declarations, and supplications spanning the full range of human emotions (e.g., fear, hope despair, excitement). All of the chapters convey an emotional awareness of Hashem’s involvement in every aspect of our lives. The Midrash tells us that when King David compiled the Psalms, he had in mind himself, as well as every Jew of every generation and every circumstance. The words of the Psalms contain appropriate chapters for every possible situation, feelings, and circumstances.

Our Sages teach us that reciting the words of Sefer T’hilim and learning the lessons contained within them is commendable, whether on a regular basis or during times of distress. But more deeply, we should all strive to find ourselves in the words and relate the text to our specific needs and actually “live the mizmor.”

 It’s always a good idea to open a book of T’hilim in times of need. Our sages teach us that some chapters are especially relevant in trying times. The following is a good general list of chapters to recite during specific situations:

 For a sick person: 6, 9, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 28, 30-33, 37-39, 41, 49, 55, 56, 69, 86, 88-91, 102-104, 107, 116, 118, 142, 143, 148.

 At a gravesite: 16, 17, 33, 72, 91, 104, 130.

 Tikun Klali of Rebbe Nachman (Rebbe Nachman recommended saying the following ten chapters to undo the spiritual damage caused by sin): 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150.

 Danger to Jewish People or Eretz Yisrael: 20, 79, 80, 83, 121, 130, 142.

 Livelihood/financial stability: 23, 104, 128, 145.

 All-purpose (marriage, children, happiness, fulfillment, peace of mind, etc.): 3, 6, 13, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 32, 41, 42, 51, 56, 59, 70, 77, 86, 88, 90, 102, 121, 128, 130, 137, 142, 143, 150

 

List of People Who Need a R’fuah Sh’leimah (a complete recovery)

 Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.

 Boris Baruch ben Frecha Frida

Chaim Avraham ben Shifrah Zisel

Shimshon Shimon ben Mazal

Aharon Mordechai ben Sharon

Yaakov Yisrael Pinchas ben Tovah

Yisachar Dov ben Chayah Brachah

Tinok ben Chanah

Azriel ShemTov ben Brachah Esther

Shmuel Aryeh ben Sarah Rachel

Ronny Tzalach ben Simchah

Shmuel Aryeh ben Sarah Rachel

Moshe ben Devorah

Yehoshua ben Miriam

Yosef ben Leah

Nisan ben Yael

Efrayim Gavriel ben Esther

Chaim Yehudah HaLevi ben Sarah

Refael Meir HaLevi ben Esther

 

Evon bas Sally

Luna bas Rachel

Malkah bas Miriam

Tovah Yocheved bas Esther Bukas

Ruchamah Perel Malkah Leah bas Chanah Serel

Esther Hadassah bas Devorah

Ronit bas Rivkah

Mahnaz bas Nosrat

Sylia bas Rachel

Karen bas Rachel

Shoshanah Shurah bas Zina

Sonia bas Raya Rachel

To add names of individuals who need a
r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim
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